Monday, March 23, 2015
Six versus Thirty six !
We find an equal number of opponents in a game or sport. For example two players play with each other in Chess or equal numbers in sport on either side. But there is a unique sport where the opponents are grossly disproportionate, the ratio being ‘six versus thirty six’. Moreover, in spite of being only six, those are so powerful and overwhelming that those supersede the thirty six!
I am trying to explain both the opponents, which the Lord and Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj have very vividly mentioned in the 13th and 16th chapter.
Almost all of us are aware of the ‘six-some’, popularly known as the “Shad-Ripoos”, the six enemies of man, namely irresistible desires or passions (Kama), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), lure or fascination (Moha), ego and arrogance (Darpa) and hypocrisy (Dambha).
These six are regarded as the demonic or devilish traits ill-famed as “Aasuric attributes”. Indeed those are formidable and extremely difficult (if not impossible) to uproot.
However, if one tries to inculcate the “thirty six” (most, if not all!), one should be able to overcome those invincible “Six”.
Sri Dnyanadev very graciously explains the thirty six divine traits (Daivee sampada- the divine wealth) as most benign, blessed and worth cultivating.
We will try to understand those in short for our own wellbeing!
The first and foremost is Non-covetousness (Amaanitvam), where the Sadhak or aspirant feels burdened of being praised as noble; indeed, extreme humility is his hallmark!
The second virtue extolled is being Non-hypocritical (Adambhatvam) characterised by extreme meekness and a tendency to hide his own virtues and merit from the world. He refrains from parading whatever charity or noble deeds performed and is not arrogant about his knowledge and scholarship. These are verily the signs of ‘egoless ness.
The hallmarks of Non-violence or Ahimsa are described quite elaborately. However, a few of those must be mentioned. In fact, the very ‘behaviour’ of a ‘Jnyani’ or enlightened being is the hallmark of Ahimsa! His very looks are benevolent, full of affection and compassion. His walking is so gentle that even ants or small insects wouldn’t get hurt! His speech is such that compassion and love ooze out even before a word is uttered. He would prefer to speak least and if at all he must, it would be soft, gentle and unhurting.; it would never arouse antagonism or excuse for disputes. There is none of stubbornness, vehemence or deceit in his speech. His hands are always eager to lift the falling, serving the crippled and needy and ready to bless even the adversaries. Overall, his mindset itself is so fine-tuned with Ahimsa !
The Lord coined yet another word, “Anakrosha Kshamaa” ! This means pardon extended by Knowledgeable unto a guilty person. Usually an ordinary person is angry on realising the wrongs committed and his natural tendency is to punish. However, the Knowledgeable possesses great understanding and consideration. Therefore he never thinks ill of the person, leave alone punishing him ! Such ‘Natural Pardon’ is Anakrosha Kshamaa !!
Now, uprightness or forthrightness, which is known as “Aarjava”. Such person is amicable and treats everyone alike, with no distinction of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’. He straightforward and does not nurture doubt and avarice; like a child he does not hesitate to reveal his mind to the world.
Fearlessness and assurance of safety (‘Abhaya’) is an important virtue. In fact, true fearlessness results only when one is aware of him being the only one as there is none ‘other’! It is a little difficult to understand and digest this tenet or doctrine; moreover, it is related to many other virtues such as ‘Satva-Shuddhi’ or steadfastness unto the Atma or The SELF and so on!
Therefore let us take a ‘break’ here and continue to educate ourselves later !!
Dr. P. S. Rahalkar.
London. 18th March 2015
We find an equal number of opponents in a game or sport. For example two players play with each other in Chess or equal numbers in sport on either side. But there is a unique sport where the opponents are grossly disproportionate, the ratio being ‘six versus thirty six’. Moreover, in spite of being only six, those are so powerful and overwhelming that those supersede the thirty six!
I am trying to explain both the opponents, which the Lord and Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj have very vividly mentioned in the 13th and 16th chapter.
Almost all of us are aware of the ‘six-some’, popularly known as the “Shad-Ripoos”, the six enemies of man, namely irresistible desires or passions (Kama), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), lure or fascination (Moha), ego and arrogance (Darpa) and hypocrisy (Dambha).
These six are regarded as the demonic or devilish traits ill-famed as “Aasuric attributes”. Indeed those are formidable and extremely difficult (if not impossible) to uproot.
However, if one tries to inculcate the “thirty six” (most, if not all!), one should be able to overcome those invincible “Six”.
Sri Dnyanadev very graciously explains the thirty six divine traits (Daivee sampada- the divine wealth) as most benign, blessed and worth cultivating.
We will try to understand those in short for our own wellbeing!
The first and foremost is Non-covetousness (Amaanitvam), where the Sadhak or aspirant feels burdened of being praised as noble; indeed, extreme humility is his hallmark!
The second virtue extolled is being Non-hypocritical (Adambhatvam) characterised by extreme meekness and a tendency to hide his own virtues and merit from the world. He refrains from parading whatever charity or noble deeds performed and is not arrogant about his knowledge and scholarship. These are verily the signs of ‘egoless ness.
The hallmarks of Non-violence or Ahimsa are described quite elaborately. However, a few of those must be mentioned. In fact, the very ‘behaviour’ of a ‘Jnyani’ or enlightened being is the hallmark of Ahimsa! His very looks are benevolent, full of affection and compassion. His walking is so gentle that even ants or small insects wouldn’t get hurt! His speech is such that compassion and love ooze out even before a word is uttered. He would prefer to speak least and if at all he must, it would be soft, gentle and unhurting.; it would never arouse antagonism or excuse for disputes. There is none of stubbornness, vehemence or deceit in his speech. His hands are always eager to lift the falling, serving the crippled and needy and ready to bless even the adversaries. Overall, his mindset itself is so fine-tuned with Ahimsa !
The Lord coined yet another word, “Anakrosha Kshamaa” ! This means pardon extended by Knowledgeable unto a guilty person. Usually an ordinary person is angry on realising the wrongs committed and his natural tendency is to punish. However, the Knowledgeable possesses great understanding and consideration. Therefore he never thinks ill of the person, leave alone punishing him ! Such ‘Natural Pardon’ is Anakrosha Kshamaa !!
Now, uprightness or forthrightness, which is known as “Aarjava”. Such person is amicable and treats everyone alike, with no distinction of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’. He straightforward and does not nurture doubt and avarice; like a child he does not hesitate to reveal his mind to the world.
Fearlessness and assurance of safety (‘Abhaya’) is an important virtue. In fact, true fearlessness results only when one is aware of him being the only one as there is none ‘other’! It is a little difficult to understand and digest this tenet or doctrine; moreover, it is related to many other virtues such as ‘Satva-Shuddhi’ or steadfastness unto the Atma or The SELF and so on!
Therefore let us take a ‘break’ here and continue to educate ourselves later !!
Dr. P. S. Rahalkar.
London. 18th March 2015
The Woods are lovely….”..
It was bright and less windy this morning and the children took us to Oxley-wood near Shooters hill in London. Oh! It was a wonderful experience that forced me to think, re-capture memories of by gone days and reflect upon so many facts as well as myths!
It is indeed exciting to witness vast lands specially reserved for huge parks and virtual woods both within and around London, in fact all over England. Not only that, those are very well preserved and looked after. Extremely safe as well as Eco-friendly, those are frequented by all age groups quite enthusiastically. One is easily enthralled while experiencing utmost quietude and peace.
And such occasions remind me of my childhood days when we used to travel through dense, deep and indeed fearsome forest ranges along with our parents back home in India. My father was fond of traversing deep jungles, ravines as well as lakes and rivers. Besides fascination for nature’s handiwork he would be ever in search of monasteries and Sadhus dwelling therein. However as children we were scared of those forests since those also habited tigers, wolves, bears, snakes and scorpions too. Moreover, fear of ghosts, spirits and Rakshasas always haunted us!
During adolescence and youth fear of the later group certainly vanished but the fear of snakes and scorpions still persist and I very much doubt whether I can ever venture in that adventure in Indian forests at least!!
Nevertheless, this morning’s experience and those enjoyed at Swansea, Sheffield, Sherwood and Derbyshire were always enjoyable and worth pondering.
And that makes me realise the fact that the same British rulers and their successors allowed and even encouraged mindless cutting of forest wood, literally devastating our forests, leave aside reserving and preserving those. That indeed makes me very sad and perturbed.
However, I cannot and must not allow the wonderful experience we had this morning and just can not forget those beautiful lines, “ The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep; but I have promises to keep; and miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before sleep “!!
( And what promises? Well, more of it later!)
London. 22 March 2015.
It was bright and less windy this morning and the children took us to Oxley-wood near Shooters hill in London. Oh! It was a wonderful experience that forced me to think, re-capture memories of by gone days and reflect upon so many facts as well as myths!
It is indeed exciting to witness vast lands specially reserved for huge parks and virtual woods both within and around London, in fact all over England. Not only that, those are very well preserved and looked after. Extremely safe as well as Eco-friendly, those are frequented by all age groups quite enthusiastically. One is easily enthralled while experiencing utmost quietude and peace.
And such occasions remind me of my childhood days when we used to travel through dense, deep and indeed fearsome forest ranges along with our parents back home in India. My father was fond of traversing deep jungles, ravines as well as lakes and rivers. Besides fascination for nature’s handiwork he would be ever in search of monasteries and Sadhus dwelling therein. However as children we were scared of those forests since those also habited tigers, wolves, bears, snakes and scorpions too. Moreover, fear of ghosts, spirits and Rakshasas always haunted us!
During adolescence and youth fear of the later group certainly vanished but the fear of snakes and scorpions still persist and I very much doubt whether I can ever venture in that adventure in Indian forests at least!!
Nevertheless, this morning’s experience and those enjoyed at Swansea, Sheffield, Sherwood and Derbyshire were always enjoyable and worth pondering.
And that makes me realise the fact that the same British rulers and their successors allowed and even encouraged mindless cutting of forest wood, literally devastating our forests, leave aside reserving and preserving those. That indeed makes me very sad and perturbed.
However, I cannot and must not allow the wonderful experience we had this morning and just can not forget those beautiful lines, “ The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep; but I have promises to keep; and miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before sleep “!!
( And what promises? Well, more of it later!)
London. 22 March 2015.
