I was startled upon reading the news item on Injaz, the first cloned camel. The cute animal was seen tucked between the legs of its surrogate mother. The report added that the baby was cloned using the ovaries and DNA preserved from the originally slaughtered camel (for meat in 2005). The camel was brought out for display in Dubai last week.
There was a knot in my stomach after reading this. It happened so a few years back upon seeing Dolly’s picture in the newspaper though I could not stop marveling human brain’s finesse. However, there are a series of points that buzzed inside like…
1) The five sensed animals, if cloned, may or may not create havoc in the environment but there will be 100% confusion if tested with humans. At least I think so.
2) If tried, will human cloning be the exact replica of the original personality – both exterior and interior?
3) When exterior matching itself can be the cause of major chaos, what would happen if the interior i.e. emotions, feelings, character, talents etc too are cloned alongside physical features?
4) How best can this be explained in spiritual terms? The encapsulated soul with causal and astral bodies do move out of the physical body after physical death is what I have read. If I believe in the law that I do choose my parents, family, surroundings, country, culture, features, talents, drawbacks, diseases etc based on my karmas, are there many souls like me with similar karmic balances to take up a similar body and life like me? Would it be the same soul or a different soul?
5) Does God approve of this cloning? Is that the reason the soul is injected into the new body?
6) If Dolly had lived only for a year, does it imply that cloned animals do not have long life unlike others born naturally? Or was it just that soul’s destiny to live only that much? Injaz might answer this question sooner or later.
7) If I think that everything happens as per His Will, then this knowledge of cloning animals is available to humans as per His Will. But if I think that man is exercising his freewill given by God to satisfy his intellectual ego, then I am worried.
8) However, if cloning is done only to replicate the organs, then it can be termed as the greatest breakthrough for better survival. Otherwise, it would end up just like nuclear physics in the wrong hands.
9) One thing has to be appreciated however. The thirst and search for knowledge continues in man ever since he is created on this planet.
The above points cropped up at that moment of reading the news and continued to ping me till such time I heard my inner voice asking me to concentrate only on my sadhana and the universe will take care of such things in its own way.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Knowledge can be got in one way, the way of experience and there is no other way to know,” I would continue to wait for the knowledge to explain the mysteries of creation. :)
(written on 05/06/2009)
Monday, June 08, 2009
Balavihar Mahotsav 2009
The Balavihar Mahotsav was celebrated on May 29, 2009 at the Bahrain Society of Engineers Hall with great enthusiasm by the participants, volunteers and parents alike. The dedication and devotion of the volunteers were evident from the outcome of the utsav celebrations. While the tiny tots were very, very sweet, our group exhibited maturity and poise, negating my tension.
Teaching, especially kids, was alien to me as I used to feel that I am not fit enough because of my shyness to vocal expressions. Ask me to write I can do it somehow. But teaching, no way. However, when Swami M asked me last December to take classes for the teenagers (CHYK), I was inwardly taken aback. Though I said, ‘Yes’, I was wondering what could this move mean in my life. Can I do it? I have no teaching experience at all. But ‘commitment’ is more important any day and hence I’ve also become a part of the group of four to train the teen minds, the toughest to handle.
The practice sessions for the utsav at my place were full of fun as the children were never serious about the performance. The singers (Atul, Aditya and Arya), the keyboard player (Gaurav Mittal) and the actors (Aishwarya, Urvi, Pranjali, Suraj, Sanath, Gaurav Pandey and Aravind) finally realized the need the previous night and gave a perfect performance on stage on 29th for the patriotic song ‘Aao bachcho’. Special mention is to be made about fellow Sevak, Mr. Prem Sagar who dedicated his time and effort in spite of his hectic schedule.
In one word, all the volunteers were simply superb.
I thank God for making me learn everyday in different ways from the young and the old alike, in body, mind and spirit. I thank Swamiji for making me a part of youthful life.
The local newspaper GDN published our group photo on 30th May which was taken after the performance. :)
(written on 03/06/2009)
P.S. Due to shifting, I was under forced retreat and hence away from internet and landline for more than a week. But somehow managed to document these few words in spite of the head spinning work that we had. :)
Teaching, especially kids, was alien to me as I used to feel that I am not fit enough because of my shyness to vocal expressions. Ask me to write I can do it somehow. But teaching, no way. However, when Swami M asked me last December to take classes for the teenagers (CHYK), I was inwardly taken aback. Though I said, ‘Yes’, I was wondering what could this move mean in my life. Can I do it? I have no teaching experience at all. But ‘commitment’ is more important any day and hence I’ve also become a part of the group of four to train the teen minds, the toughest to handle.
The practice sessions for the utsav at my place were full of fun as the children were never serious about the performance. The singers (Atul, Aditya and Arya), the keyboard player (Gaurav Mittal) and the actors (Aishwarya, Urvi, Pranjali, Suraj, Sanath, Gaurav Pandey and Aravind) finally realized the need the previous night and gave a perfect performance on stage on 29th for the patriotic song ‘Aao bachcho’. Special mention is to be made about fellow Sevak, Mr. Prem Sagar who dedicated his time and effort in spite of his hectic schedule.
In one word, all the volunteers were simply superb.
I thank God for making me learn everyday in different ways from the young and the old alike, in body, mind and spirit. I thank Swamiji for making me a part of youthful life.
The local newspaper GDN published our group photo on 30th May which was taken after the performance. :)
(written on 03/06/2009)
P.S. Due to shifting, I was under forced retreat and hence away from internet and landline for more than a week. But somehow managed to document these few words in spite of the head spinning work that we had. :)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Make-up
I have always admired beautiful women walking in élan with impeccable make-up and a plastic smile. But they have also raised enough curiosity in me to see their faces without make-up. :D
Is the make-up beautifying them or the luxuriant products get beatified because of them? Are they really angelic as they appear to be?
Way back, my orthodox middle class family never allowed make-up of any sort till I started my career. Oh yes, I donned make-up while playing small roles on stage during my childhood. Of course, I wanted to own a make-up kit at that time. Ah…. innocent days…….
Even during my working days, the maximum externals that beautified me were lipstick and nail polish. I am a person of commitment and hence I was dedicated to a couple of lipstick and nail polish unlike my friends who had a rack full of different shades pining for their elegant touch. However, the day I learnt about the inner make up, my poor knowledge on external decoration got dropped on its own at that instant.
Some of my decisions (though mundane) were very strong and this was one among them. Since then, I have not wavered even once. Do not assume that I am a person of great determination always. No. This one is a simple revelation. That’s all.
When I see the young girls of today, I could not stop admiring the way they carry themselves with the glittering make-up and high heels to prance around. Not to mention of the proud parents who encourage their children to be so whether on stage or off stage.
I could not thank my strict parents enough now, for they had given confidence in a subtle level. Not only that, they were strict in not accumulating inner make-up which I realized later.
Actually, while turning the pages of GDN today morning, I felt grieved to read the article on the man who has woken up from coma, a victim of bomb blast who has lost his eyes, right hand and a mutilated face which has to be literally reconstructed. Ironically, he is one of the suspects for assembling the bomb and is going to be tried in court.
With a face to rebuild, dented eye sockets and a missing right hand, what more can he look out for in life? Is this awakening from sleep a punishment for him? Whether he is innocent or convict, he has to face physical and mental trauma in the coming weeks. The man’s file photo reminded me of the topic ‘make-up’, for face is the base of expressing emotions and a platform to exude sweetness hiding the volcano within.
Inner make-up is more dangerous to self and others. The layer that covers the self is dirt and not a beauty product.
Are we one among the many who is roaming around with a flawless inner make-up?
Is the make-up beautifying them or the luxuriant products get beatified because of them? Are they really angelic as they appear to be?
Way back, my orthodox middle class family never allowed make-up of any sort till I started my career. Oh yes, I donned make-up while playing small roles on stage during my childhood. Of course, I wanted to own a make-up kit at that time. Ah…. innocent days…….
Even during my working days, the maximum externals that beautified me were lipstick and nail polish. I am a person of commitment and hence I was dedicated to a couple of lipstick and nail polish unlike my friends who had a rack full of different shades pining for their elegant touch. However, the day I learnt about the inner make up, my poor knowledge on external decoration got dropped on its own at that instant.
Some of my decisions (though mundane) were very strong and this was one among them. Since then, I have not wavered even once. Do not assume that I am a person of great determination always. No. This one is a simple revelation. That’s all.
When I see the young girls of today, I could not stop admiring the way they carry themselves with the glittering make-up and high heels to prance around. Not to mention of the proud parents who encourage their children to be so whether on stage or off stage.
I could not thank my strict parents enough now, for they had given confidence in a subtle level. Not only that, they were strict in not accumulating inner make-up which I realized later.
Actually, while turning the pages of GDN today morning, I felt grieved to read the article on the man who has woken up from coma, a victim of bomb blast who has lost his eyes, right hand and a mutilated face which has to be literally reconstructed. Ironically, he is one of the suspects for assembling the bomb and is going to be tried in court.
With a face to rebuild, dented eye sockets and a missing right hand, what more can he look out for in life? Is this awakening from sleep a punishment for him? Whether he is innocent or convict, he has to face physical and mental trauma in the coming weeks. The man’s file photo reminded me of the topic ‘make-up’, for face is the base of expressing emotions and a platform to exude sweetness hiding the volcano within.
Inner make-up is more dangerous to self and others. The layer that covers the self is dirt and not a beauty product.
Are we one among the many who is roaming around with a flawless inner make-up?
Whispers to take wings
There is an idea to document echoes of the spirit. I have just opened a space to write down my lively and loud thinking.
If interested, you may follow or subscribe to my thoughts here….
http://divine-vibrations.blogspot.com
The above space will go live in the coming days or months.
Of course, my mundane whispers will continue here too. That reminds me of the article that I wanted to write on ‘Make-up’. Shall write soon. :)
If interested, you may follow or subscribe to my thoughts here….
http://divine-vibrations.blogspot.com
The above space will go live in the coming days or months.
Of course, my mundane whispers will continue here too. That reminds me of the article that I wanted to write on ‘Make-up’. Shall write soon. :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
It's all mind play
According to me, ‘dream’ is a common term that we use to
• justify sleepless nights
• project positivity
• set standards and goals
• brush off whimsical fantasies
Ironically, I had remained a victim of all the four in the past.
Dreams have the potential to diffuse, amuse or bemuse us. It can even frighten the core of our being and shake us.
The subconscious and unconscious layers of my mind had been generous enough to release many such reels without my conscious permission in all these years. Though the rationale part of the mind try to pose its logic, I fail to ignore them sometimes. Honestly, I’ve never had dreams of the types of Bharathiraja films so far. :)
At one point of time, I had dreamt of flashing doctor’s white coat on my shoulders, brushing a few strokes of colours, flying high as a pilot, tying dancers’ tinkles for my feet, playing veena, writing volumes of poetry, becoming a nuclear scientist etc. Dreams remained distant dreams though I could have sparkled in all. This is written not out of over confidence but because of the interests that I had at that time.
When I realized that there were no opportunities to pursue my dreams, I didn’t even bother to widen my knowledge on them. Now, I have burnt all of those dreams without trace as I understood that they are burdens to my onward journey. I am still holding on to ‘writing’ not to prove to anybody but only to fine tune my thoughts. If anyone is benefitted by this public display, it could be sheer coincidence.
Coming to the subject matter, two days back I was praying to God while lying on the bed to forgive all those known and unknown who had wished ill of me and hurt my soul in all my lives. I had no idea when I slept but was rudely woken up by a strange dream set in ancient times in which I realized a conspiracy to kill me, that those whom I approached for help turned into conspirators and that I was given a deep cut on my right palm so that I could bleed to death. I walked and walked the ups and down of many steps with dripping blood trailing me wherever I went but none bothered to help me out. As I was losing consciousness, I raised my bleeding hand towards two unknown strangers (an old man and a woman) as an act of relaying my intention to forgive those who harmed me and fell dead. The death was peaceful.
As I opened my eyes abruptly in the middle of the night, though chilling the dream experience was, I was not at all perturbed. Instead I was peaceful. I smiled within that my wish is registered in the subconscious or unconscious mind somehow.
This reminds me now that I had experienced all the four characteristics that I had enumerated in the opening para at one stretch. Now I got to seriously watch the mounds of thoughts for a better mind play.
• justify sleepless nights
• project positivity
• set standards and goals
• brush off whimsical fantasies
Ironically, I had remained a victim of all the four in the past.
Dreams have the potential to diffuse, amuse or bemuse us. It can even frighten the core of our being and shake us.
The subconscious and unconscious layers of my mind had been generous enough to release many such reels without my conscious permission in all these years. Though the rationale part of the mind try to pose its logic, I fail to ignore them sometimes. Honestly, I’ve never had dreams of the types of Bharathiraja films so far. :)
At one point of time, I had dreamt of flashing doctor’s white coat on my shoulders, brushing a few strokes of colours, flying high as a pilot, tying dancers’ tinkles for my feet, playing veena, writing volumes of poetry, becoming a nuclear scientist etc. Dreams remained distant dreams though I could have sparkled in all. This is written not out of over confidence but because of the interests that I had at that time.
When I realized that there were no opportunities to pursue my dreams, I didn’t even bother to widen my knowledge on them. Now, I have burnt all of those dreams without trace as I understood that they are burdens to my onward journey. I am still holding on to ‘writing’ not to prove to anybody but only to fine tune my thoughts. If anyone is benefitted by this public display, it could be sheer coincidence.
Coming to the subject matter, two days back I was praying to God while lying on the bed to forgive all those known and unknown who had wished ill of me and hurt my soul in all my lives. I had no idea when I slept but was rudely woken up by a strange dream set in ancient times in which I realized a conspiracy to kill me, that those whom I approached for help turned into conspirators and that I was given a deep cut on my right palm so that I could bleed to death. I walked and walked the ups and down of many steps with dripping blood trailing me wherever I went but none bothered to help me out. As I was losing consciousness, I raised my bleeding hand towards two unknown strangers (an old man and a woman) as an act of relaying my intention to forgive those who harmed me and fell dead. The death was peaceful.
As I opened my eyes abruptly in the middle of the night, though chilling the dream experience was, I was not at all perturbed. Instead I was peaceful. I smiled within that my wish is registered in the subconscious or unconscious mind somehow.
This reminds me now that I had experienced all the four characteristics that I had enumerated in the opening para at one stretch. Now I got to seriously watch the mounds of thoughts for a better mind play.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
To write or not to write - that's never a question
This is my space given freely by the provider host. I have freedom to exhibit my emotions openly. I know well that I have no interest in becoming rich and famous; neither have any inclination to promote my ideas to anyone. I have no die-hard followers or fans of my writing.
My writing reflects only truth and hence it might appear repetitive sometimes. I write because I like to write. Of course, I am sensitive and sensible enough not to hurt anyone with my words, whether verbal or written.
I am not ashamed to accept that I’m an imperfect being; yet I struggle my best to keep up my commitments of actions, words and thoughts. At least I am aware that I have the 'right' only to change myself and not others. No wonder, I get agitated by the global and personal display of mean mindedness, cheap attitude, stinginess, wickedness, manipulation, backbiting, dark humour, selfishness, superiority complex, arrogance and violence. It is really, really difficult to tolerate such people. Sometimes, I think it is wise to live in the world of dreams than to see these sadists prowling around.
Ironically, these idiots don’t understand ‘freedom’ doesn’t mean that they have all the freedom to rebuke, hurt, humiliate or torture others physically or psychologically. They never realise that they are slaves to their crooked thinking and that there can be no greater challenge than silencing the inner noise.
Even with the freedom of space and thoughts, it would be of bad taste to yield to the temptations of scalding such opportunists with my write-ups. Because the inner voice asks me only one question – Do they deserve your time and efforts?
Hence, I wish to consciously document only sublime emotions and thoughts. There is grace and beauty in choosing positive words and thoughts, which illumines the physical personality as well. I am of the belief that the aura of such a person exudes peace & love and attracts even the passersby. So, I reaffirm myself not to sway from this standard. However, I would also like to share even simple & great things that I come across everyday such as….
• I listened to Susan Boyle upon my brother’s mention. I was taken aback by her soulful rendition of ‘I dreamed a dream’. I became emotional and the last line 'I dreamed a dream' brought tears into my eyes.
• I am awed at Andrea’s (Leonardo Da Vinci’s mentor) fearless words to the Signory some 600 years ago after cutting off the head and legs of the bronze horse created by him.
• Leonardo’s undisputed master brain in various fields which includes painting - how would it have appeared under PET scanner?
• Astonishing revelations of 2012.
• My interest in watching only those parts related to Camerlengo in the film ‘Angels & Demons’ though I do not wish to go through the pain again, which I experienced after reading the book.
• And many more….
So, keep a tab here. I may not entertain or enlighten you but will surely try to motivate you with my little experiential knowledge. :)
My writing reflects only truth and hence it might appear repetitive sometimes. I write because I like to write. Of course, I am sensitive and sensible enough not to hurt anyone with my words, whether verbal or written.
I am not ashamed to accept that I’m an imperfect being; yet I struggle my best to keep up my commitments of actions, words and thoughts. At least I am aware that I have the 'right' only to change myself and not others. No wonder, I get agitated by the global and personal display of mean mindedness, cheap attitude, stinginess, wickedness, manipulation, backbiting, dark humour, selfishness, superiority complex, arrogance and violence. It is really, really difficult to tolerate such people. Sometimes, I think it is wise to live in the world of dreams than to see these sadists prowling around.
Ironically, these idiots don’t understand ‘freedom’ doesn’t mean that they have all the freedom to rebuke, hurt, humiliate or torture others physically or psychologically. They never realise that they are slaves to their crooked thinking and that there can be no greater challenge than silencing the inner noise.
Even with the freedom of space and thoughts, it would be of bad taste to yield to the temptations of scalding such opportunists with my write-ups. Because the inner voice asks me only one question – Do they deserve your time and efforts?
Hence, I wish to consciously document only sublime emotions and thoughts. There is grace and beauty in choosing positive words and thoughts, which illumines the physical personality as well. I am of the belief that the aura of such a person exudes peace & love and attracts even the passersby. So, I reaffirm myself not to sway from this standard. However, I would also like to share even simple & great things that I come across everyday such as….
• I listened to Susan Boyle upon my brother’s mention. I was taken aback by her soulful rendition of ‘I dreamed a dream’. I became emotional and the last line 'I dreamed a dream' brought tears into my eyes.
• I am awed at Andrea’s (Leonardo Da Vinci’s mentor) fearless words to the Signory some 600 years ago after cutting off the head and legs of the bronze horse created by him.
• Leonardo’s undisputed master brain in various fields which includes painting - how would it have appeared under PET scanner?
• Astonishing revelations of 2012.
• My interest in watching only those parts related to Camerlengo in the film ‘Angels & Demons’ though I do not wish to go through the pain again, which I experienced after reading the book.
• And many more….
So, keep a tab here. I may not entertain or enlighten you but will surely try to motivate you with my little experiential knowledge. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Judgment - where do I stand?
Judgment Day – my Christian schooling has drilled me this concept at a very young age. I still remember the bunch of pictures of hell that were given to us. My little brain could not answer many questions sitting at school …
• Will God judge only Christians?
• Will He judge me also, a Hindu?
• Where will I be after judgment – heaven or hell?
• When is the Judgment Day?
• Where will I be after my death?
• Should I need to wait till my day of judgment?
• Will God announce His judgment in front of everybody?
• If I am supposed to go to hell, will everybody know about it?
I had taken all these questions to heart very seriously that lingered in my mind as an infinite loop, because of which I had a quiet childhood. You know I wanted to be a good child. Most importantly, I didn’t want God to brand me as a bad child. All along, I was also curious to know what happened to all those who had died so far – would they be in heaven or hell? I was also judgmental about the people around whether they would go to hell or heaven based on their rude behaviour or actions.
In parallel, at home my parents too talked about swarg and narak whenever they wanted to discipline us. I was confused because there were too many gods and goddesses being worshipped at home. Which god or goddess to trust? Who would listen to my prayers patiently and whom not to? Who would be less judgmental and forgive me than the ruthless Christian God? You know….. it was fixed in my mind that as a Hindu, yama doothas only can take me to hell and heaven and not the angels or demons of Christianity. However, secretly, in the heart of hearts, Jesus appealed to my heart more and I didn’t want to disclose this to anyone.
In the bargain, the concept of judgment got rooted in me firmly.
One fine day, all my confusions were dispelled thanks to the sacred texts - Gita and Upanishads. The fear of Judgment Day got diluted and understood that there is only one God for all. But another fear gripped my being. If I am answerable to all my actions, words and thoughts, what is the basic thing that I need to watch. To my rude shock, the answer that came from inside was ‘judgment’.
It was a tough task. We always remember one’s past based on which we judge his or her present. Many times I have failed. But a few times I’ve succeeded too when I consciously refuse to think about them. When my fellow Chetana friends assigned the task of no judgment for a week, I chuckled inside. I started observing my inner being closely. During the course of this week, an opportunity arose…
We were invited for a house warming ceremony recently. There was also a discourse given by one of the spiritual group members. During his discourse, he said, “Some spiritual organisations build schools, colleges and hospitals. Can we call this as service? No, they are ignorant. We have to do seva to Krishna directly.”
I could not stop wondering how can one do service to the Lord directly. Is it only building temples? Is it only doing pujas or parayanas? Are not all beings manifestations of the same divine? Will not the service done to fellow beings reach Krishna? Is not Manava seva Madhava seva?
What appeals to one need not for the other. Then why should he be judgmental about other types of service? Meditation or ceaseless chanting is not for all, isn’t it? In that case, why is he teaching wrongly?
Or...... or is my thinking wrong?
Now the basic question looms large - was or am I judgmental on him? I don’t know really. I don’t know really…
• Will God judge only Christians?
• Will He judge me also, a Hindu?
• Where will I be after judgment – heaven or hell?
• When is the Judgment Day?
• Where will I be after my death?
• Should I need to wait till my day of judgment?
• Will God announce His judgment in front of everybody?
• If I am supposed to go to hell, will everybody know about it?
I had taken all these questions to heart very seriously that lingered in my mind as an infinite loop, because of which I had a quiet childhood. You know I wanted to be a good child. Most importantly, I didn’t want God to brand me as a bad child. All along, I was also curious to know what happened to all those who had died so far – would they be in heaven or hell? I was also judgmental about the people around whether they would go to hell or heaven based on their rude behaviour or actions.
In parallel, at home my parents too talked about swarg and narak whenever they wanted to discipline us. I was confused because there were too many gods and goddesses being worshipped at home. Which god or goddess to trust? Who would listen to my prayers patiently and whom not to? Who would be less judgmental and forgive me than the ruthless Christian God? You know….. it was fixed in my mind that as a Hindu, yama doothas only can take me to hell and heaven and not the angels or demons of Christianity. However, secretly, in the heart of hearts, Jesus appealed to my heart more and I didn’t want to disclose this to anyone.
In the bargain, the concept of judgment got rooted in me firmly.
One fine day, all my confusions were dispelled thanks to the sacred texts - Gita and Upanishads. The fear of Judgment Day got diluted and understood that there is only one God for all. But another fear gripped my being. If I am answerable to all my actions, words and thoughts, what is the basic thing that I need to watch. To my rude shock, the answer that came from inside was ‘judgment’.
It was a tough task. We always remember one’s past based on which we judge his or her present. Many times I have failed. But a few times I’ve succeeded too when I consciously refuse to think about them. When my fellow Chetana friends assigned the task of no judgment for a week, I chuckled inside. I started observing my inner being closely. During the course of this week, an opportunity arose…
We were invited for a house warming ceremony recently. There was also a discourse given by one of the spiritual group members. During his discourse, he said, “Some spiritual organisations build schools, colleges and hospitals. Can we call this as service? No, they are ignorant. We have to do seva to Krishna directly.”
I could not stop wondering how can one do service to the Lord directly. Is it only building temples? Is it only doing pujas or parayanas? Are not all beings manifestations of the same divine? Will not the service done to fellow beings reach Krishna? Is not Manava seva Madhava seva?
What appeals to one need not for the other. Then why should he be judgmental about other types of service? Meditation or ceaseless chanting is not for all, isn’t it? In that case, why is he teaching wrongly?
Or...... or is my thinking wrong?
Now the basic question looms large - was or am I judgmental on him? I don’t know really. I don’t know really…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)