Approaching Ayodhya

I have not been following the verdict on Ayodhya temple and Babur mosque issue in the land of Ayodhya, India. The verdict on the Ayodhya issue I believe is today. I am not aware of the full details that encircle the political problem and the current verdict. I have read and heard sentiments being hurt on both sides. Surely, this is a sensitive and sentimental affair.

I remember when I was in high school, the demolition of the Babur mosque took place and as a result there were huge riots with people killing each other. It was party time for politicians who instigate such violent acts in the name of “dharma” or protecting religion. Since then, the Hindu-Muslim divide has only gotten deeper. The mainstream Hindus accept Ayodhya as an iconic and sacred symbol representing their values, culture and heritage. The mainstream Muslims argue the same, thus the ill feelings between both parties.

Ayodhya is not a material idea. By material, I mean, it is not bound by time and geography. It is not represented by brick and mortar. When we argue over brick and mortar, we bring Ayodhya to the mundane plane thus defiling and spoiling its purity. Gold is gold regardless of dirt covering it. Whether there is a mosque or shopping mall, Ayodhya retains its significance as a sacred symbol because Ayodhya is spiritual not constricted by material elements. After all, this body we are occupying will also be demolished one day. Does that mean we cease to exist? Just because the temple was demolished and now a mosque built, does it mean Ram or His Ayodhya Dham does not exist? The external representation made of material elements will eventually fade away with time. This is the law of nature and desired by Lord Ram Himself. Why are we lamenting and fighting over destruction of brick and mortar? Therefore, instead of fighting over the deteriorating body (temple) made of material elements, we should worry about reviving our original Ram Consciousness by chanting His Holy Names. This is the will of Sri Ram.

Today, however, the Hindus who claim to follow Sri Ram and protect Ayodhya are not able to distinguish material from spiritual. As a result they feel pain to see a temple being demolished. They think that their religion is blasphemed due to the presence of Muslims. This type of material sentiment is the reason we have killings in the name of “religion”. Unfortunately, this so-called religious sentiment is anything but spiritual or pure.

Lord Sri Ram is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is Sat Chit Ananda. His abode, paraphernalia and His devotees are all Sat Chit and Ananda. He is seated in everyone’s heart as the Supersoul or Paramatma. He knows each and every individual’s motivation and desires. No one can cheat Him or flatter Him. He is beyond the dualities of this world. Along with Sri Ram accompanies His eternal consort, abode and pastimes and that includes Ayodhya Dham. The Dham of Ayodhya can be realized within everyone’s heart provided we are ready to surrender to the will of Lord Ram. When Mother Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, Lord Ram went in search of Sita. Lord Ram fought the war as a last resort as Ravan was adamant and demoniac. Even during the war when Lord Ram was about to kill Ravan, Ram gave a last chance to Ravan by awarding one day respite. However, Ravan was too foolish to surrender to the will of Ram. The message is that we can fight like Ram or Arjuna only if we are completely on the transcendental platform devoid of false-ego. Otherwise, we have to take the humble position and tolerate the dualities of life.

If Hindus are really and genuinely following their dharma, then they should approach Ayodhya in the mood of Sat Chit and Ananda. They should approach Ayodhya as tiny little jivatmas (atomic spirit) in utter dependence on Sri Ram (Paramatma). They should approach Ayodhya with a desire to give up bodily designations that give rise to lust, greed, anger, pride, illusion and envy and serve Sri Ram in complete devotion just like Lord Hanuman. One who is on this transcendental platform are only qualified to fight.

The true temple of Ayodhya and the dham of Ayodhya are eternal and visible to the eyes of the pure devotees of the Lord who are eternally situated at the Lotus Feet of Ram and serving Him in pure love and devotion. For such pure souls, they see Ayodhya everywhere and in everything. They are never separated from Ayodhya.

If Hindus are really and truly Ayodhya conscious, then the correct method of approaching the Ayodhya issue is not by fighting for it externally by restoring bricks and mortar but fighting for it internally by cultivating bhakti with determination. By desiring to control the mind and senses and execute the will of Ram in Bhakti, in doing so, they will never be separated from Ayodhya whether it is a mosque or even the destruction of one’s own material body.

Hare Krishna

complete knowledge constitutes realization of the self

Krishna Consciousness, no doubt, has the flawless philosophy and perfect logic and hence the complete science on Transcendence. There is a caveat, however. It is rendered complete in its fullest glory only when it is studied and practiced properly. Both have to be properly executed – studying and practicing. Theoretical understanding commensurating practical realization constitutes the fullness of Krishna Consciousness. Therefore “knowledge” means theory + practice. Krishna and our relationship with Krishna cannot be known fully by merely studying the scriptures or whimsical practice. Knowledge in full will be revealed to us only if are ready to practice steadily under proper knowledge and guidance. This is the essence of Religion.

Krishna proclaims in Bhagavad Gita (9.2) “This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed”.

Here, Krishna directly indicates the supremacy of this science simply because it gives “direct” perception of the self by practical realization. He concludes by saying it is the “perfect religion”. Then, Krishna says that it is joyfully performed. Now, this is the secret. People often ask “how do I know if I am perceiving the self or making any progress spiritually?”…the answer lies here…as we realize the self…we will become increasingly joyful under all circumstances constantly glorifying the mercy of God upon us. In other words, perception of the self leads to inner joy which leads to perceive God in everything and everything in God and ultimately constant glorification of His greatness. This constant glorification is “kirtana” or “chanting” and is considered the goal of life.

For all this, we have to take studying and practice in earnest and be patient and tolerant under all circumstances without ever compromising the practice. If everyone takes their religion in such earnest concentrating within, on one’s own internal frailties as opposed to the external imperfection, this world would be a better place.

Indeed…everything is in the Gita.

Chant Hare Krishna in earnest daily, be patient and eventually you will be happy.

Hare Krishna

True knowledge and falsifiable truths

Falsification or falsifiability is a theory popularized by Karl Popper. The theory fundamentally asserts that it is logically possible that a statement or theory can be shown false through observation or experiment. In other words, what it means is that if an idea or theory is indeed false, then that falsehood should be demonstrated. Till then, Popper concludes, the particular idea is considered scientifically valid.

This theory broadly falls under the inductive methods of modern testing upon which the entire field of modern science rests. It removes metaphysical aspects of science and keeps it purely physical. Unfortunately, a pure physical approach is dependent upon on machines and our ability to collect data both of which limits true knowledge. Therefore, religious statements or spiritual ideas are not considered scientific because if it is indeed false, then how will I demonstrate it? In a nutshell, this is the theory of falsifiability.

The theory is in existence because as humans we are limited in our abilities to know the truth in its entirety. Limited knowledge can result in false theories. Falsification accounts for this falsehood. Implied in this is that knowledge from a finite source is inherently filled with mistakes or considered “false”. To flip this statement, knowledge from an infinite source is not false or perfect.

Krishna is considered the One Supreme Being who is Perfect thus making Him infinite. The Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Krishna and thus perfect. The million dollar question, then becomes, how do I know if Krishna is Perfect?

Serious seekers of truth, at this point, transcend material science & religion to spiritual science & religion based on the unseen and unheard. At this point, knowledge is not “studied externally” but “revealed internally”. A serious student, following the guidance of expert master will question his internal consciousness in relation to external experiences. Constant questioning coupled with determined practice is the struggle the seeker has to patiently endure under all circumstances. This struggle for the truth will reveal in time the answer about perfect knowledge versus imperfect. At this point the seeker would have “no doubts” in his vision of the truth.

“True” knowledge away from falsifiable truths can be gained only if one has unflinching faith, constant practice and perseverance. The million dollar question that Krishna is the only Perfect Supreme Being will be revealed in time.

Hare Krishna

Scientists, God and the power of objective inquiry

1. Little science takes you away from God but more of it takes you to Him - Louis Pasteur, Founder of Microbiology

2. All things are indeed contrived and ordered with singular providence, divine wisdom, and most admirable and incomprehensible skill. And to none can these attributes be referred save to the Almighty – Sir William Harvey, Founder of Modern Medicine

3. In God there is Power, which is the source of all, also Knowledge, whose content is the variety of the ideas, and finally Will, which makes changes or products according to the principle of the best – Wilhelm Leibniz, Founder of Infinitesimal Calculus

4. For me the idea of a creation is inconceivable without God. One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be a divine intent behind it all – Wernher Von Braun, founder of Aeronautics

5. We feed our Bodies; our Souls are to be fed: The Food of the Soul is Knowledge, especially Knowledge in the Things of God – John Ray, Founder of Modern Biology

6. For religion, God is at the beginning; for science, God is at the end – Max Planck, Nobel Laureate in Physics

7. I only trace the lines that flow from God – Albert Einstein, Nobel Laureate in Physics

8. The wonderful arrangement and harmony of the cosmos would only originate in the plan of an almighty omniscient being. This is and remains my greatest comprehension – Isaac Newton, Founder of Classical Physics

9. When I reflect on so many profoundly marvelous things that persons have grasped, sought, and done, I recognize even more clearly that human intelligence is a work of God, and one of the most excellent – Galileo Galelei, Founder of Experimental Physics

10. I saw in it (the atom) the key to the deepest secret of nature, and it revealed to me the greatness of the creation and the Creator – Max Born, Nobel Laureate in Physics

11. I think only an idiot can be an atheist – Christian B. Anfinsen, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

If these great modern day scientists' can recognize the existence of God and give credit to Him, then not sure as common man why we should not? Everything we study right from kindergarten till Phd has been written, discovered and invented by one or more scientists listed above. In other words, our knowledge that we have obtained since childhood is attributed to the brilliant brains of these great scientists. How we think, and feel today to an extent is molded and shaped by these great thinkers and scientists. All the great advancements in science and technology cannot happen without the inventions and discoveries of these famous people. If these renowned and brilliant modern scientific brains can, after the countless hours of studying, analysis and critique, can ultimately recognize and give credit to God, then, in my opinion, God wins the race and not modern science.

I know I can never be Newton or William Harvey in this life, but if people like Newton and Harvey can conclude God exists and that because of God we have such complex reality, then I can save time studying complex biology and physics and simply accept the words of the brilliant minds as authority.

So why waste time breaking my head over this complex reality...why don't I just seek the person who created this complex reality...and that is God?

If this mundane reality is so complex that it requires multiple brains of brilliance over years of knowledge transfer, hours of studying and experimenting, imagine how much knowledge and time it would take to know the creator of such complex reality?

Clearly, from these quotes above, we should at the least take a position of doubt if we do not believe or position of inquisitiveness if we believe as to who the creator really is?

Who is God and what is He look like and why did He create our reality so complex?

Please inquire objectively. As humans, this is our gift given by "God". If you are not convinced, that is ok but at least you can be happy you tried.

Hare Krishna

What is good?

In today's world, everyone does some sort of good to others...well...at least that is what they think. However, there are some genuine thinkers and activists who take up a good cause and run with it. Martin Luther King Jr wanted to do good for the community at large by helping the African American community of USA. Mahatma Gandhi did the same for the people of India and so did Mohammed Ali Jinnah for the people of Pakistan. Nelson Mandela fought against racial discrimination, Mother Teresa against social inequity and poverty. At a more smaller scale, everyone of us common man take up a profession or act with some "good" in mind. As an urban planner, I want to make this world a better place. A doctor would profess goodness by helping the sick. A theoretical physcist would claim good by way of intellectual emancipation by answering fundamental definitions of life such as what is this universe? where did I come from? etc. Everyone has some sense that what they do or represent is actually "good" and that gives them the motivation to do more. I am sure even terrorist operate on the same platform of some twisted "goodness" that they contribute to their own clan, ethnicity, religion, region or leader.

So...really...what then is "good"?

In my opinion, "good" is akin to "selfless act". If I have to quantify loosely, if any given act of mine is part selfless and part selfish, then the part that is selfless is "good" and the rest is not. So an act, according to me, can either be completely (100%) good and or partially (as low as 1% or less) good or in other words an act can be 100% selfless or as low as 1% selfless. So "good" is as good as "selfless" in my book. If I compare this to the examples above of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mandela and even the terrorist, surely these people contribute some "selfless" act for their cause.

To add to this cause of selflessness is the concept of time, if this selfless act has temporary results, then the value of good, in my opinion actually is less. In other words, if I have to select an act out of my free-will that is selfless (aka good) but if that selfless act only gives temporary results or temporary goodness, then, really am i really doing good? Because if I purposefully take up something investing my limited resources to a cause (albeit selflessly) but I know will only yield temporary relief, then in one sense, is this temporary relief really good? In my opinion, a selfless act is good but a selfless act with temporary results is of lower quality goodness.

Therefore, if we want to do the best goodness to others, then, we have to act selflessly but act in such a way that it yeilds permnanent results and not temporary. The concept of "permanent" or "eternal" is applicable only within the domain of the soul and Supersoul and not matter. From that standpoint, what Srila Prabhupada did as an act of "selflessness" is the "purest" and the "highest" form of "good" any man can do to a fellow human and actually all species of life.

Why....because his act gives eternal freedom from the bondage of cyclical suffering that comes to us in various forms such as sociology, economics, politics, religion, basic living needs etc. What is his act of selflessness...to tirelessly encourage people to accept God into their lives beyond superficial rituals, by encouraging people to give up bad-habits, and ultimately give what no man has given...that is to encourage and inspire people to chant the Holy Names of Krishna in an unprecedanted scale.

All of Prabhupada's acts have such repurcussion which no cost-benefit analysis can quantify. That is correct, people giving up bad habits (inspired by Prabhuapada) such as meat eating, intoxication, gambling and reckless sexual behavior has saved the Federal Government billions of dollars of benefit money over a period of one's life. Is this not good from an economic standpoint? Giving up bad habits has imparted stability, productivity and positive feelings thus enhancing social & economic relationships at the domestic and community level. Prabhupada inspired everyone to be good productive citizens...and the best part is he did not even explicitly fight for this cause. Being a good productive and equitable citizen, while is the life goal for most activist, for the movement started by Prabhupada, it was a by-product...why because his goal was permanent (not temporary).

Equal rights, alleviating poverty, politics etc all are good for brief periods of time, but what Prabhupada wanted to give us was to transcend all suffering all together. While he stressed the value of character and discipline, he taught us the ultimate purpose in life is to "love God with all Thy heart, mind and soul". This he taught us by first correcting our character and at the same time (simultaneously) call out God's names. When we become a self-controlled disciplined individual giving respect to all living entities including the plants and animals and at the same time call out God's names, he said and also demonstrated through his practical life that love for God will gradually invoke within us. This, Prabhupada said, is the fullest and most comprehensive solution to all problems of life now and forever.

In conclusion, the two criteria for a "good" act are:

1. degree of selflessness associated with the act and

2. the amount of time the goodness endures as a result of the act

Therefore, in my humble opinion, yes...there are many great people who have done good in the past for brief periods and in the future will do good to others for brief periods, but none can compare to Prabhupada who did and does acts which are pure, 100% selfless and timeless and that in my opinion is the highest and purset form of "good" one living entity can do to another. We should aspire to do good like he did.

To such a tireless, and selfless master, I bow down in full prostration.

Please do a good act that can permnanetly solve your problems. Chant Hare Krishna.

Hare Krishna

How to be free from miseries and anxiety?

As long as the motivation for your activities is your own pleasure, you will find so much pain in your life.

As long as the motivation for your activities is your own happiness, you will find so much distress in your life.

As long as the motivation for your activities is to find honor you will suffer so much dishonor in your life.

Until you work and you act for the pleasure of Krishna you have to suffer the dualities of material existence. So as long as we do what we like to do we should understand that we are extending the perplexities of our own bondage in material existence.

But as soon as we do what Krishna wants us to do, what the great devotees on behalf of Krishna are telling us to do, through that process we gradually become free from all the miseries and anxieties of the material world.

H.H.Radhanath Swami

Forgiveness

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand, "today my best friend slapped me in the face”.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone, "today my best friend saved my life".

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone. Why?" the friend replied, "when someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it".

Learn to write your hurt in the sand of forgiveness and carve the good by others in stone.

Hare Krishna

source: another blog