We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead THE SPEAKING TREE — Roy T Bennett NEW DELHI, MAY 27, 2018

he way of nature is MASTERSTROKES the way of sponta- neous,self-organis- How you treat a person actually shows ing process.To align Pursuit Of Happiness how you want to be treated with the way of na- Kaldan Doma ture, is not to rise SRILA B B TIRTHA Tabove and impose upon, rather, it is any learned A true Hindu should solve differences to descend into and move with na- people aren’t through discussions which maintain ture’s self-organising process. Mhappy and inner peace and never through Much to the detriment of our neither are the unedu- arguments, aggression and violence unique consciousness needs today, cated. A man may Mohanji secular and religious ideals and ide- muse, “If I marry and ologies cause us to — rise above and get a beautiful wife, Naam, God’s holy name, is like an impose upon the life process,rather then I shall be happy.” But those who are ocean; service and charity are its than descend into and move with it. married will tell you that they are not hap- streams.We are seeking something We can use as an example of the py! Those who are unmarried will tell you small, but with the help of Naam, incongruity between ideal and neither are they. oceans of priceless jewels await us. process, the psychological and spir- We think that if we get grandchildren, Baba Virsa Singh itual notion of compassion.When it sons and daughters-in-law, then we will be comes to the dynamics of meaning, happy.So we are always running after a phan- Love is the most powerful there clearly is a big difference be- tasmagoria.It is said in the scriptures that the healing energy tween trying to feel compassion for rays of the sun reflect off the desert sand. Guruji Krishnananda someone as an act of will, because From a distance, a clean sheet of water can one has been directed to do so by a be perceived.The animals in the desert, be- religious ideal, and genuinely feel- ing very thirsty,see this water which is only Like heated water cannot stay hot. ing compas- a mirage, and think that if they can reach it It returns to its own cool nature. sion for an- their thirst will be quenched. So they pur- Like in sleep the mind returns to its other — sue it,follow the trail further and further,but essential nature.We want to be rid of based on an the mythical waters recede into the distance. limitations, sorrow and agitation. actual experi- TRUE It is only an illusion and at long last the weary As they are not our essential nature ence of being animals,longing for a sip,die from the chase. Swami Tejomayananda able to identi- Likewise,people think,“If I get money,I shall fy with that be happy. If I get a beautiful wife, I shall be When we use a simple word like individual in happy.If I have a son or daughter, I shall be ‘Reham’ and when it comes from the his struggle.In the first instance,there happy”and so on....But this is phantasmagoria. depths of our very being, what we are is no direct encounter between two We shall die unhappy,chasing it. human beings. Rather, in the name Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says we have telling the Big Gang up there is — of spiritual goodness, an individual COMPASSION an eternal connection with Sri Krishna that Only when you feel another’s pain and life struggle as your don’t let go of my hand, however is simply being overlaid with an ide- we have forgotten.The root of all afflictions is difficult I make it for You al. In the second instance, by con- own, do you experience real compassion, says ROBERT AZIZ this aversion to the one who is all-existence, Ruzbeh Bharucha trast, where one is able to identify all-knowledge and all-bliss. ■ with another,the emergence of com- unconscious selves will necessarily the existence of their own less dra- ditional support of all of us.No mat- www.speakingtree.in/blog/in-search-of- Why do we feel sorrow,violence passionate feeling necessarily takes take the form of us facing directly matic, but nonetheless comparable ter how often we fail to advance,no happiness-67277 and crime are not part of the form of a human engagement. and honestly that which we most limitations.‘Why,’I have been asked matter how often we lose ground creation or God? Here, the precise challenge be- wish to avoid. Success will depend by individuals filled with utter con- and even regress,the compassionate A READER REACTS Hemu Karkera ing faced by one individual needs entirely on our ability to bring to tempt for the addictive behaviours support offered to us by way of self- not only to be identified by the oth- consciousness and accept about our- of a friend,“can he not end the self- organising nature, remains unwa- He Is A Bountiful Giver ■ The biggest happiness comes from er, but that individual selves that which we destructive pattern?” vering. So how could our support We must drop our desires gradually.If I ask must then in turn find would otherwise “Can you not imagine,” I re- of anyone else be any less forgiving, Him, I will only ask according to my limit- living life in the moment and not within himself a point choose to reject.There spond,“a behaviour or orientation any less compassionate? ■ ed capacity.If I do not ask,then He will give carrying the burden of too many of personal reference to can be no question that in your own life that you knew need- www.speakingtree.in/blog/finding according to His capacity. I leave it to the expectations or thinking of that particular experi- our ability to identify ed to change and you in fact,wished compassion-from-an-ideal-to- Divine to give what I may deserve. what the future holds ence.So how do we get with another’s struggle to change,but were unable to change, experiential-knowing Dharmesh Shah Nam Singh to such a place of un- establishes a heartfelt even to this day.”As my analysis and Surrender To The Supreme derstanding and deep point of connection by countenance suddenly softens,I add: SEEKERSPEAK ■ Surrendering to the desire of the Supreme Character formation is the first connection to ourselves and others? way of process — a heartfelt expe- “Changing fundamental behaviours, is the right attitude. One must not desire priority in Buddhism We get to this place by honest- rience of compassion at which we those that present the most signifi- Nurture Compassion from Him.If a child never asks anything from Chandran Methil ly and deeply exploring ourselves would have never arrived by way of cant obstacles to our psychological ■ I am trying to help my children his parents that does not mean they will ig- under the direction of self-organis- the mere wilful imposition of an ide- and spiritual journey,is never an easy develop compassion for others. It nore him. Rather they will afford greater The essence that resides in a man is ing nature.Such insight might come al.People certainly can be most un- piece of work for anyone.”And it is can feel like an overwhelming chal- care. Likewise, when we keep on surrender- to us through prayer and medita- forgiving when looking at the short- at that moment we descend. lenge in this world where the mean- ing unto the desire of the Supreme, without also present in a woman. Respect for tion.It might also come to us through comings of others. It is at that moment,we not only spirited judgement of others is so asking for anything, He is pleased with us all is an indicator of civilised society psychotherapeutic techniques such Harsh judgements and even feel compassion for that other indi- often prized as entertainment, both and takes utmost care of us. Suman Bala as dream analysis.However,it comes anger,readily present under such cir- vidual, but it is at that moment, we in the media and in the many im- Srila B B Tirtha replies to to us; the main thing to understand cumstances without anyone stop- hold consciousness on self-organis- personal arenas of the internet. Dharmesh Shah is that insight into our conscious and ping to think for a moment about ing nature’s compassionate, uncon- Gord Moyer

This is part 1 of a new 14-part comic strip featuring Al, Cosmo, Masamba, Jal and Kenji, the Tronomegans who land on Earth.This time, their target is to save the Artic

Part - 1 ; A TERI publication, supported by ONGC To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders — Zhuangzi

THE SPEAKING TREE NEW DELHI, MAY 27, 2018 MULLAH NASRUDDIN Kashmir Shaivism ©GETTY IMAGES Promotes Peace ‘Awareness Donkey’s Friend Two young scholars, RAMESH CHANDRA NAILWAL and SHIKHA RAJPUROHIT, discuss Kashmir Shaivism with in action’ Nasruddin’s friends talked him into SONAL SRIVASTAVA on the sidelines of a seminar organised by Swami Lakshmanjoo’s selling his donkey for a paltry sum THOMAS EASLEY of one dinar. Nasruddin said,“Oh Ishwar Ashram Trust in New Delhi recently sure — but it’s too bad that the n unattached awareness of de- Stone pelting incidences are on donkey bazaar is not held today.We Atail in the present moment is the rise in Kashmir.What kind of a moment of Self realisation.The will have to wait until Wednesday. insight could we take from Kash- more detailed scientific analysis of At that time I will sell for a single mir Shaivism to rescue Kashmir? particle states becomes, the closer dinar my donkey to the one I think ■ R C Nailwal: If we want to count- scientists come to discovering the will make the best master.” So for er hardline theories regarding Kashmir, present and the substantial influ- the next week Abdul and Mali went we have to include ancient philosophies ence exerted by the present on re- to great pains to demonstrate to like Kashmir Shaivism in the mainstream ality. All reality arises from the REUTERS Nasruddin how kind and generous education system. Forget difficult hy- WOMEN REACT ON SEEING THE BODY OF A present.Wherever we are, whatev- they were to all the town’s animals. pothesis and theories, we need to re- SUSPECTED MILITANT er we’re doing, the present mo- Come the day of the donkey bazaar, alise that there is no other; there is no ment is with us. Whether we’re soon enough, a faint sound of separateness in Kashmir Shaivism.If we walking down the street; praying, donkey hooves could be heard want to bring back harmony in Kash- meditating; paying for groceries; mir, we need Kashmir Shaivism. If we waving to a friend; opening a approaching.After some time, the want to stop corruption, and do away door; solving a math problem; re- buyers realised they heard another with casteism,we need our ancient dar- membering a phone number; noise, the sound of a somewhat shanas. turning on a computer; writing a displeased cat. Nobody expected to letter; drinking a glass of water;

see that tied to the tail of the donkey How can we make this philoso- REUTERS warming ourselves on a chilly day; — was Nasruddin’s tawny cat. phy accessible to students? holding a loved one; gazing up at DEMONSTRATORS HURL STONES AT THE ■ Nasruddin announced,“I indeed am Shikha Rajpurohit:We have to start POLICE IN SRINAGAR the vast reaches of the night sky, PTI willing to sell my beloved donkey for at some point; maybe start a course. I TOURISTS ENJOY SHIKARA RIDE AT DAL LAKE IN SRINAGAR the moment is with us…. one dinar. But my donkey and my did a course at the post-graduate level, What are malas and how can we To awaken requires, at times, cat are such good friends.Whoever and at least, we made a start. So many overcome them? that we devise wake-up calls,exer- Ramesh Chandra Nailwal: ■ SR: buys my donkey must also purchase universities don’t even talk about Kash- This concept is there in dif- cises,games,even tricks that remind mir Shaivism.In post-graduate studies, Research Scholar from Jawaharlal ferent philosophies.What binds us to us to be self-aware in the present. her feline companion, and the price it could be an option. Until I came to Nehru University,specialising in this world is a mala; it is the binding Here are five strategies to consid- of the cat is quite reasonable, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) I Shaiva philosophy of Kashmir. factor. Kashmir Shaivism has er: 1.Take a photo and analyse it, considering her regal pedigree: one didn’t know that there is a philosophy three kinds of malas and four kinds see in the photo all that you were thousand dinars.” of Kashmir Shaivism even though I did Shikha Rajpurohit: of upayas. not aware of at the time the pho- a Bachelor’s in Sanskrit.We kept study- PhD student at JNU, researching Upayas are means to overcome the to was taken and try to realise how ing six systems,including Jainism,Bud- Buddhist Logic in Pratibhijnana. malas. Mala is ajnana; the feeling that little you are aware of now, in this Blue Bead dhism and Charvaka philosophy but we are limited is a mala.We start with moment.2. Have a song playing in Nasruddin decided to take a second, were not aware of Kashmir Shaivism.If the physical level,whatever we are do- your mind while,at the same time, younger wife, Kerima. It was clear a sociologist doesn’t know about Kash- Acharayas also knew that you have to similarities between Buddhism and ing — good or bad — is karmamala; you see and hear what is happen- from the start that she and Fatima mir Shaivism,that’s okay,but a Sanskrit interact with people in this world.Why Kashmir Shaivism. we can practise sadhana,puja and seva ing around you. 3.Imagine who were fiercely jealous of each student should know about it. was it that so many Kashmiri thinkers ■ RCN: In the past,Kashmir was not to overcome karmamala. will stand in those places where you other, and Nasruddin needed to find ■ RCN:There is no bheda,separateness were able to contribute to India’s liter- about stone pelting.The essence of Second is the feeling of duality, stand today.Did dinosaurs stand in a way to appease them both. in Kashmir Shaivism;anybody can study ary theories? Kashmir Shaivism is found in caused by maya. Mayyi: separateness is these places millions of years ago? Separately,to each of his wives, it, one doesn’t need to know the Vedas They didn’t negate the the vakhs of Lal Ded and caused by maya.We can correct this by Places,spots in space,do not erode; to study it. According to this philoso- world and that’s why we have teachings of Nund Rishi. shaktopaya, self-enquiry.Third is anava- enlightenment does not erode. phy, I am a pramata, conscious person Kashmiri thinkers such as Ab- Bhakti movement spread to mala, when you have a feeling of in- 4.Note how the quality of light and the other person is also a pramata. hinavagupta,who contributed Kashmir,Utpaldeva wrote Shi- completeness; when you think your changes as we walk through our It is imperative to talk about Shaiva Dar- to literary and aesthetic theo- va Stotaravali. consciousness is not complete, shamb- homes,offices,shops,and houses of shan in the context of today’s Kashmir. ries.The Indian method is that Lal Ded went through a lot havopaya is the upaya for anavamala.You worship and use the changing light When we study Indian philosophy, we engage in debates, we talk of suffering and she found sol- have to become thought-less and you to spark a moment of present self- we always study six systems, and these about other systems, negate ace through her vakhs. Kash- can achieve it by reading scriptures. A awareness. 5. Endings and begin- don’t include Kashmir Shaivism.Today, them and then establish our hypoth- mir Shaivism also has a strong Bhakti stage will come when you will feel one nings can be reminders to be self- there is a lot of politics in Kashmir. esis. component. Shiva is the paramtattva. In with Shiva. aware in the present. My research is based on Buddhist Vaishnavism,Vishnu is the paramtattva. After these,there is another method The beginning and end of a Why is Kashmir Shaivism special logic in Pratibhijnana.Utpaldeva choos- In Bhakti,the bhakta doesn’t want called anupaya, the method-less song,the first and last bite of a meal, to you? es Buddhism — as it was prevalent at to merge in Shiva, he wants to remain method; you get there with the grace the beginning and end of a con- Fatima and Kerima, he gave a blue ■ SR: It doesn’t try to take you away that time and maybe he wanted to re- a bhakta because he finds ananda in be- of a guru. ■ versation can all be reconfigured to ■ bead, and said,“This blue bead will from the world; it is not asking you to fute it — talks about it and he agrees ing a bhakta, so he wants to remain in Post your comments at alert us to the passing moment. ward off the evil eye. Never tell go alone in search of knowledge. with it to a certain point as he does find that state. speakingtree.in anyone about this precious blue bead or reveal it to anyone, and the blue bead will protect you.” Later Why Be Perfect? SITA DEY writes about Nasruddin and both wives were he quest for perfection is ex- walking and Fatima tugged on his the Vedantic principle DESIGNER OF THE UNIVERSE Thausting and unrelenting, but left sleeve and asked,“Nasruddin, as hard as we try, we can’t turn off tell me, which of us do you love of merging with the deepest Self. In nirvikalpa samadhi, we Him.To recognise God is to attain the tapes that fill our heads with best?”The second wife tugged on his Absolute Truth have the intuition of reality transcend- liberation.The person desirous to messages like ‘Never good enough’ right sleeve and repeated,“Yes, ing all determinations; this is the high- know God has to acquire the fol- and ‘What will people think?’ Nasruddin, tell us, which one do you here must be a very intelli- est stage.The truth is Brahmn, which lowing qualifications: he must study Why, when we know that there’s love most!”“The one with the blue gent power working behind has a creative power called maya.Maya Vedanta. He must have the knowl- no such thing as perfect,do most of everything. Whenever we is the actual power by which Brahmn edge of what is eternal and what is us spend an incredible amount of bead,”he declared, giving each of try to know when and who creates the world and all beings in it. non-eternal. He must abstain from time and energy trying to be their hands a little squeeze,“is the Thas started it, we are faced with endless Brahmn with its creative power is called pleasures of the world. He must have everything to everyone? Is it that one who has my heart.” questions, which cannot be answered. Ishwara or God. Brahmn and Ishwara tranquility of mind, self-resistance, re- we really admire perfection? No, We must find the answer to satisfy our are not distinct entities,but different as- nunciation, patience, deep concen- the truth is that we are actually curiosity. Immanuel Kant says that re- pects of the same reality. tration and firm faith. Last but not drawn to people who are real and Greedy Cat ality is unknown and unknowable. In How and by what means can we the least, he must have a strong de- down-to-earth.We love authentic- Nasruddin lowered the scale, cat, India, saints and sages, with their pow- know the Ishwara, the Creator? We sire for emancipation or mukti.When ity and we know that life is messy and weights to the floor, went to er of intuition and sharp vision, have ©GETTY IMAGES forget our real nature, we forget the a person with these qualities studies and imperfect.We get sucked into where his axe was mounted on the seen the truth and that is why we call fact that divinity is within our own the Upanishad he will know the iden- perfection for one very simple rea- wall, and grabbed the axe, then it darshan.They describe the reality by self. So our God is not outside in the tity of the ‘self’ and the ‘Brahmn’.The son:We believe perfection will pro- turned around and faced the cat. denying everything.The reality is de- external world, but inside our own devotee ultimately merges with the tect us. ■ Fatima exclaimed,“Nasruddin — scribed in terms of neti, neti, not this, a change of form. selves;now the quest is inside.But the Brahmn and the quest for the Cre- — Brene Brown no! Please don’t.”“Relax, my dear. not this. The reality,according to Shankara, difficulty is inside our mind,which by ator ends here. ■ I’m just going to hide my axe,”he After denying, they finally arrive is the cause of the origin, sustenance nature is fickle. assured her, and proceeded calmly to at something positive; it can be called and dissolution of the world.When we Our first duty is to calm our mind. the pantry,where he opened the Satcitanandaswarupam.There are three look at the created world,we see Brahmn The Guru gives us a mantra which has locked cabinet, fit the axe in attributes to reality:The first is sat, as Ishwara.The world of experience is high potential spiritual power.We have meaning it exists; everything in this not the ultimate reality,it is an experi- to constantly and earnestly do japa,med- sidewise, then closed and locked the world exists.The second is that the re- ence due to ignorance. It does not af- itation,satsang and read religious books. cabinet. Fatima asked,“Why are ality is not inert or dead, but it is liv- fect the reality,just as a magician is not Through constant practise and renun- you hiding your axe?”“If the cat ing and conscious; so the reality is sat, affected by the illusion he creates for ciation of the karmaphala, we can con- can steal three kilos of cake, certainly chit, and finally,it is full of bliss, anan- others. trol our mind. she can be tempted to abscond with dam.According to Vedanta,the whole Jiva, the self is actually a pure spirit. According to Shankara, from the an object worth ten times that.” universe is contained in one and only Our sufferings are the result of alien- transcendental point of view,there is — mullahnasruddin.com one consciousness; it is ekamevaadvi- ation from reality,but when one realis- no distinction between jiva and tiyam. Everything is inseparable, there es it, sufferings disappear.The supreme Brahmn. Complete faith and total sur- is no death in it. Death is nothing but reality is not outside, but is within our render to God is the best way to get