Respectfulness

Respectfulness

India is country of great cultural heritage. Paying respect to mother, father, elders, teachers, saints, etc, is our cultural heritage. 

One of our retired IFS officer, a Brahmin, when went to his village, the villagers bow down to him remembering great services of his grand father to the village as a teacher. 

A joint family of 30-40-50 living together and eating meal from one kitchen was the base of our respects to the family and society. 

If we pay respects to other individuals, they in turn will pay respects to us, and those 1+1+1... build the harmonious societies of the country. But if we disrespect others or insult them, we are destroying the base of the respectfulness. One may have differences of opinion but differences of mind can break the harmony of the family, society, organization, state, country. 

Our Samskrit prayer see all in the God; the mother, the father, the brother, the friend, the knowledge, the wealth, everything.

त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देव ॥

(Twameva mata cha pita twameva,
Twameva bandhushcha sakha twameva, Twameva vidya dravinam twameva, Twameva sarvam mama deva deva)

But if we read the same prayer carefully, little differently, we are praying the God, that is living around us; our mother, our father, our brother, our teacher, our livelihood/job/work, all those who care for our well-being.

Ancient China built the great wall of China with a height for protection, but was invaded thrice. The enemies entered through the doors by bribing the guards. They built the wall but
forgot the character-building
of the wall-guards. Thus, the building of human character comes first before building the nation.

Modernization run of chasing wealth and desires is destroying our family structure, our respectfulness to our teachers and elders. We are undermining the role of those who made us.

Let's think and return to the path of our rich cultural heritage of paying respects to all. 

त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव। त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव ।
त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देव ॥

Punamchand
31 March 2016

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A driver's perception for India

A driver's perception for India

He was a talkative Jat driver. Traffic on road and delayed journey to the destination give a room to chat with the driver in the car.

Sir, you have removed danda (stick) from the hand of the teacher and the police, therefore the country is facing present days problems. Students become carefree and do whatever they like. Teachers become managers of the students crowd. Similarly white and black anti socials are looting the country and suppressing people without any fear of the danda of the police. Driver Arvind was explaining the present, with his 42 years experience of life.

Whosoever hold the power, they should do good for the country, not that they work only for the betterment of their party or their families. When the government construct a dispensary in Rs. 30 lakh against the estimate of Rs. 3 crore of the previous government, people realise the wastage of resources in government expenditure. Why do the people in government spend money from the public treasury for their comforts and luxuries though they have been paid for their work?

My father can eat 1 litre of ghee in one sitting even today in his 70s. My grandfather was also eating good and healthy food. Their food intake was 10 times more than the present generation. They had good stamina and were doing physical hard work for many hours tirelessly. But the present generation is weak physically, become dependent on support system of engines and machines, unable to walk or do physical work for few hours. They are a tired lot, wondering for the comforts of life without hard work.

We are progressing in terms of infrastructure and facilities but falling down in happiness index. Most of us are BPL in health index. Our life line may look long but not strong enough to sustain without medicinaI support.

Farmers are not earning much from agriculture as the cost of production is going up and the yields don't earn desired price. The new generation is moving to the cities for jobs. As a result, the castes like Jat, etc, are demanding reservation. With the presence of some jamindars or car owners, the whole community can't be labeled rich. The people, economically poor are also in need of reservation support. If one look at the higher ups in the society and deny benefits to the needy people, it is a wrong argument. Many SC ST persons became IAS, IPS, AIS, etc, officers and have good life with house, car, etc. Therefore, other SC ST can't be denied reservation by giving example of their elite group. They in general are still living a life of depression, therefore, the reservation should continue for them. But Jat should also get it. His jatness (non compromising nature) was coming out of his arguments!

Jat as a society has been identified as a conservative society by the non jats, but we follow our customs with some logics. The gotra marriage prohibition was exempted for nani's gotra, now the dadi's gotra will be exempted soon. Jat People are also changing with the change in time. The customary restrictions over the bahus have been relaxed and will go away slowly. There are many changes happened in the living style of the people in last two decades.

At the end of the day, India's progress must be the yardstick for the performance evolution of the party in power, not the issues of castes, religions, etc. He explained his perceptions for India.

I opted to listen his perception for India very carefully. Political literacy in India is increasing with the increase in politics of power.

Punamchand
Delhi
29 March 2016

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Secrets of Plants

Secrets of Plants

One would be surprised to know that the way plants make their food of glucose, starch, cellulose, etc, with the help of chlorophyll in the presence of Sunlight during daytime. Similarly the C4 herbs and plants develop their medicinal value in the presence of Moonlight in nights. Therefore, there is a prohibition to pick leaves, flowers, stem, roots of the  plants during night (from sunset to sunrise). They have been considered as deities by Hinduism. All Hindus worship Tulsi. Many tried to find the somvalli lata to make Somras described in the Vedas but couldn't find. Many are still searching the Sanjeevni booti which was carried by Vir Hanuman to save life of Lakshman. Hope Baba Ramdev products will list these two herbs in future!

There is a code of conduct to pick plant's parts. One has to pray before the plant, a day before its picking; explaining the purpose and requesting it to carry medicine to cure the patient. Thereafter, one may go next day in the morning, pray again and then pick leaves, flowers and other parts of the plant required. Ayurveda and Siddha system of South India carry a long list of such important herbs. Never to pick during night (from sunset to sunrise).

Hinduism believes that all the Jeevas travel from the moon (Chandra Loka) to the plants and then to our body through food and take birth at a suitable moment.

Trees and plants are also the living entities like us, very helpful for health and longevity. Let us reconnect with them and listen the blissful sound of the Nature.

Punamchand
27 March 2016

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Is it a myth?

Is it a myth?

Peepal, ashwattha, bodhi tree, fical religiosa is a Holy tree for Hindus. In Bhagvad Gita Shri Krishna says, I am the Peepal tree amongst the trees. Sadhus, Sanyasis do meditation under the Peepal tree. Bhagwan Buddha attained enlightenment while in meditation underneath the bodhi tree. Women do circumambulation and tie thread around the tree and give water for the long life of their husbands as the tree live long. It is used as traditional medicine for treating disorders including diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, etc. 

Now some people say that Peepal gives oxygen in night. Therefore, ancient India gave importance to the tree. Some say, it is a myth, as it also breathes out carbon dioxide like other plants.

All living cells including plants, undertake respiration, inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Therefore, trees also inhale O² and exhale CO² like us 24x7. But what makes the difference, is the photosynthesis. 

Green plants can undertake photosynthesis in presence of Sunlight. The energy supplied by the Sunlight is trapped through the chlorophyll. In this reactions, O², CO², H²O and Cellulose (biomass) are generated. Oxygen is a product of C cycle. During day time both the processes, respiration and photosynthesis, chemically opposite reactions takes place. But the rate of photosynthesis is higher than the respiration, therefore, there is a net gain of O² in the atmosphere. 

While in night, only respiration is taking place. In absence of the Sunlight, no photosynthesis takes place, therefore no O² is produce. Then how could Peepal gives O² in nights? Is it a myth?

Botanists have identified two cycles for photosynthesis: c3 cycle and c4 cycle. The c3 cycle plants do photosynthesis in day time only and therefore produce O² in day time. In nights, they exhale CO². Sleeping under a tree in night is injurious to health. Some people see bhoot-pret in night in some trees (imali, rayan, etc) because of the over dose of CO². The birds go into silence during night. All creatures go to sleep in night because the O² level in the atmosphere goes down. 

But there are plants and species that operates c4 cycle. They do photosynthesis in night too. In absence of Sun energy, they either use the photorespiration energy or may be the moon light to perform photosynthesis in night. Therefore, some claims that they produce oxygen as a product in night too. However, botanists disagree with an argument that in absence of Sun energy (686 Kcal), it is impossible to formulate 6O² molecules.

There are around 7600 plants species (3% of the total) use C4 carbon fixation on earth. Pipal tree is one of the c4 plant, fix the carbon in night through Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) and thus release oxygen in the night also. Wheat, rice, maize, millet, sugarcane, etc, food crops and many (46%) grass species (darbh) are c4 plants and therefore releases oxygen 24 hours, may be in less quantity. 

What a wisdom of our ancient Rishis! They had used their 6 senses more. They used to sleep less and think more. Therefore they have identified trees and plants which were beneficial to human health. They promoted them through religion so that our best friends survive with us and help us.

We the moderns are losing our senses day by day, and become the dependents of machines.

Punamchand
25 March 2016

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Happy Holi 2016

Happy Holi 2016

Winter ends and Spring starts. India will celebrate Holi, the festival of Colours. It will start with bonfire today evening in the presence of Full Moon of Fagun and all will enjoy the day tomorrow by spraying colours over each other. Colours, music, dance, bhang and masti, the Carnival of India. It is a start of natural mating season for humans!

India links every important event with religion and educate people through stories and messages. 

Traditionally, the story of Prahlad and his father Hirnakashyap explains: 1) certainty of death even if he/she is immunized with all types of safety like Hirnakashyap and His sister Holika, 2) God is everywhere as the 4th Avatara of Vishnu, Lord Narsingh (Half man, half lion) incarnated out of a pillar, and 3) the safety assurance from the God to his devotees like Peahlad against the evil forces. 

The Holy Fire prevents outbreak of viral diseases like swineflu. The rounds of holy fire is a heat treatment to the body against cough, and the last day to eat dates, sesame and dhani this season.

Holy Fire is India's Weather Forecasting Station. Monsoon conceives in the womb of Mother Nature. People put flag on the top of the fire to judge the wind direction accurately. The winds in the evening of Holi is an indicator of coming monsoon season. 

1. North : Long Winter, Good Rains.
2. Northeast: Late start of Summer.
3. East: Irregular rains, below average.
4. Southeast: Draught
5. South: Medium Rain, Epidemics, livestock loss
6. South West: Monsoon below average
7. West: Monsoon Normal
8. Northwest: Very good monsoon with good crop.
9. Cyclonic wind from all directions: Famine

Holi is a festival of Love. Holi Colours over faces make them equal, equal to love without any discrimination of colours of skin. Krishna was dark skin Radha was fair skin. The colour of love made them equal skin. The youths of India celebrate equality of Braj Vrindavan like Lord Krisna, Radha and Gopis through colours tomorrow. Don't see the colour of the skin, the caste and religion of the individual, just merge with all in humanity of colours.

Holi is a festival to forget and forgive. Let us forget our pains and forgive all who did wrong to us and celebrate the festival of Holi praying Lord Narsinh through bonfire in the evening Today and with colours Tomorrow. Use colour of "Kesuda/Palas" (butea monosperma) flowers, the herb colour to protect the skin.

Holi is a Holy Festival, the Carnival of India. Pray Holy fire, enjoy colours of life and don't forget to see the direction of wind through holy fire, the forecast of monsoon 2016.

Bura na mano Holi hai. 

Happy Holi to All.

Punamchand
23 March 2016

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Tree Forestry

Tree Forestry

Environmentalists have suggested to maintain 33% green cover on the earth. But with the increase in human population; their pressure over land, nature, flora, fauna is increasing. Billions of trees have been cut and hundreds of species become extinct every year. A day will come, when human will be in the list of extinction.

Global 'forest area' at present is 31%, India's 24% and Gujarat's 11%. Forest areas have more tree cover compared to the non forest areas! The tree cover outside forest area has increased by 2.82% in India and 4.74% in Gujarat in last decade, due to water, people's participation, and promotion by forest department. Tree needs only three things: land, water and guard. Once the roots length crosses 1.5 metre depth, it can survive on its own through the moisture of the earth.

Global warming is a question that can be answered by the tree farming. The CO² (Carbon Dioxide) generated by the industries can be stored by the trees. Plants and animals depend on each other but plants are primary producer. You know, plants release O² (Oxygen) during photosynthesis of the Solar energy into glucose in the presence of CO² and H²O (Water). 

O², the life line of all creatures on earth was produced by the trees. Trees are our best friends. We use O² and produce CO². The trees use/store CO² and produce O² as by product while doing photosynthesis.

Do you know the difference between growing tree and green tree?

A tree remains green but stops growing after certain age. The O² produced by the grown up tree during day time photosynthesis is equal to the CO² produced during the respiration in night. It doesn't add O² in the atmosphere. While growing tree adds O² in the atmosphere. 

We are stopping people from using wood and go for substitutes like aluminum, plastic, steel, cement, etc, but don't understand that the substitutes are producing more CO².

We understand forestry means only planting. But cutting of grown up tree is also a forestry. There may be codes for  when to cut, how much to cut, what to cut, from where to cut, etc; but no cutting no forestry. Protecting growing trees and cutting matured trees is the real forestry. In agriculture, we cut the mature crop regularly.

Recently, the GoG has freed 86 species of non forest area from taking permission of cutting and transiting. 4 species have been put under prohibition list and 22 species are in restriction list, need permission of the complement authority to cut and transport. These are mostly the trees of forest areas. The non forest area has been opened up for growing and cutting trees as "Tree Farming". Trees those are cultivated by the people are made free from restrictions. So that number of growing trees will increase to add up more O² in the atmosphere to control global warming. 

People using woods and wood articles are storing the Carbon Dioxide.

Celebrate the International Forest Day tomorrow, 21st March.

Punamchand
20 March 2016

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Capitalism or Communism

Capitalism or Communism

Japan is a country of homogeneous society, where the PM or the Peon can eat same meal in same type of plate. The tax structure is such that rich pay higher rate of income tax. The nationalism spirit is such that the profit making company may pay 96% of its profit to the State exchequer. In hospitals, with the same quality of services, rich are charged more than the common men.

India is country of heterogeneous society where people build wealth through the networking of caste groups. I have a Jain friend. Whenever I ask him an address or contact details to buy some goods or services, he will invariably give me the details of Jain traders only. India still lives in networking of caste and sub caste groups.

To improve quality of life, one needs to improve spending capacity of each family. For that, each family has to earn income. As all persons can't become manufacturers and traders, majority of them have to earn their livelihood from jobs, services and informal sectors. Therefore, the Country need entrepreneurs who imagine, take risks, generare wealth and employment. Without wealth, nothing can be distributed? Progress of the Nation is linked with its resources, infrastructure and growth rate. Post 90s, the investors and entrepreneurs have shown their strength in the development of the Nation.

Once wealth is generated the distribution fight starts. The haves want more share because it was earn through their entrepreneurship. The have not ask more because they are poor and are in need of basic requirement for better quality of life. The party in power has to balance between the both. One group is the engine of the growth as well as funder of the party expenditures. Another group is numbers, if converted into a vote bank, has capacity to hold the party in power.

As the mass is not fully employable, and the resources are limited to generate jobs at the rate of the work force entering into the market; India has to go for the model mix of Capitalist and Communist agenda together.

Gandhi once told in a public meeting that if he distributes Rs.1 crore collected from the people, amongst 1 crore people, each one will get Rs.1/head, that won't serve any big purpose. But if the same money (Rs. 1 crore) he gives to Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, he will start a textiles mill that will generate employment and wealth for the nation.

If banks take deposits and distribute amongst the common people, their contribution to the society won't reach beyond a "bachat mandal". They have to follow Gandhi for wealth generation, though some Mallyas may be born out of the system.

In communists countries, the powers groups turn into crony capitalists.

Till the size of human (I am big) is not finalize, the expression of big will be seen by building wealth, spending wealth or hoarding wealth. All will keep playing with the wife of Lord Vishnu, the Lakshmi, whose vehicle is Owl!

Punamchand
18 March 2016

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Samudrika Shastra-1

Samudrika Shastra-1

India is a country of knowledge. 

Each individual is born unique. Each person carry different nature and he/she acts accordingly. Except exceptional cases, the nature of the person remain the same throughout the life (like kutte ki dum!)

We are social animals, live and deal with many individuals during the life. Marriage, business partnership, political alliance, friendship, etc, are long lasting relationships. A wrong choice turns into a big loss. Sometimes, in international relationship, signing a deal with a wrong person may put the country/company in big loss. 

But how could know a person whom you are dealing for the first time? Sometimes, you can't escape their company. There was a tradition in India to read face of the person and to interpret body features.

The face, forehead, eyes, nose, lips, chin, ears, neck, hands, legs, etc, were observed, analysed and then some common rules were framed. 

Have you seen people with short neck and short ears? Chhoti gardan batake kan?

You may say that you have seen many people but didn't see them from the angle of the neck and ears.

Have you seen the photos of hardcore criminals? Invariably, their ears are peculiar, mostly short. 

Have you seen people with short neck? In public life? Short neck people are untrustworthy and unfaithful.

And if these two features are combined, one can imagine the combo! Better to Stay away. 

However, the 6th sense has it's final say. Each individual is carrying an aura. While meeting an individual the aura replies, provided you read it. Money and power hunger bring many in the bad company of untrustworthy, unfaithful people and leave as losers at the end.

Choose your body carefully.

The body and body language are vocal, of you care to listen.

While ageing, our neck become stiff and short. Do the neck rotation exercise daily to avoid to fall in the category of Short Neck! Lol.

Punamchand
17 March 2016

NB: This may not be true for all as the culture, education and environment keep the characteristics in dormant form.

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Life Pendulum between Gas and Diaphragm

Life pendulum between Gas and Diaphragm

We are air bodies living in the Sea of air. 21600 breathes a day with balance of five life breathes: pran, apan, udan, vyan, saman; keep us live and healthy. Air, water and food are our fuel to inject energy. The fusion current generated through the union of sperm and egg keep us alive through the neurologic impulse, the electrical discharge that travel along the nerve fiber.  

Each human body has been created through the same process but the life line varies. The DNA, the environment, the food-water-air, support, etc, vary from person to person; that makes the expirry date different for each individual.

In general, people pass first 40Y of the age healthy. The major problem after 40Y is the "vat rog". The disease created by the gas. The food we eat generate gas and once it occupies the cavities of the body, it starts killing the health of the life organs. There are 80 major diseases have been identified as the "vat rogas" in Ayurveda including all the heart diseases, all the joint diseases, heaviness of the body, etc. 

The first breath gave us life and the last breath will give us death. Those live long are mostly free from the Vat Rogas, or have less gastric problems. Ayurveda, therefore preached "parhej" in the food we eat. The food for each season, each time (morning, afternoon, evening-night) has been prescribed. If we don't care and eat as per the will of the cooks, the hoteliers, then we are left at the mercy of the God to run our system without problem.

The intestinal walls are the generator of gas. If we go on adding different organic materials in a drum and keep it unclean, what will happen? It will generate gas, stink and dirt. The drum must be cleaned everyday to avoid further dirt. Similarly, the intestines must get cleared everyday. If unable to do it, take "haritaki" early in the morning with luke warm water. If not daily, then at least once in a week. It is Amrita, the mother for us.

Our sitting posture and our breathing postures are very important for inhaling more O² and exhaling more CO². Babus we are passing more time on chair with 90° stiff angle, and while signing the files for years we develop problems of survival and other disorders. We worry more for our heart and other organs but we have overlooked one important muscle of our body that keep the other organs healthy.

Which muscle? Do you know? 

It is the Diaphragm, the main muscle involved in breathing, separates the thoracic (heart, lungs) and abdominal cavities and perform important function in respiration. When a person inhales, it contracts, decreases pressure in the lungs, increases thoracic cavity so that air is drawn into the lungs.

But the most important part is the openings in the diaphragm. The aortic, the esophageal and caval opening along with series of smaller structures pass through the diaphragm.

Apart from congenital defects; the neurologic system, improper breathing, wrong posture of sitting and working, stroke, thyroid, radiation, etc, make the diaphragm disorders and abnormalities; such as discomfort in breathing, breath sound; pain in chest, shoulder or abdominal area; hypoxemia, etc.

Once the problem of diaphragm has been identified, the doctors may suggest treatment that may include surgery of removing part of the diaphragm or abnormal tissue, folding the diaphragm, or repairing the muscle. 

But one of the most important therapies for diaphragm health is the "Indian Yoga".  If the diaphragm disease is neurologic in origin, "meditation" cures it. Pranayam and breathing exercise, if done properly, improve the strength of contractions and expansion of the diaphragm that improves O² in the blood. O² is our life, life with health. Lom Vilom, Bhrasrika, Kapalbhanti or the Sudarshan Kriya of AoL are the breathing exercises that improves the strength of the respiratory organs. Meditation makes the terminal, the brain in order through calming the mind. And proper food and water keep the system in order so that the entire system will tune well to give us long and healthy life. 

Long deep breath is life and short shallow breath is death. Follow Yoga, the Indian treatment of healthy life without medicines.

Shubham Bgavatu Kalyanam.

Punamchand
16 March 2016

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Are we heading towards Pralaya (Dissolution)?

Are we heading towards Pralaya (Dissolution)?

Global warming is the worry of all on the Earth. The temperature of the globe has rose by 2° Celsius and it will rise by 4° Celsius by 2080. With this much change, the entire ecology, weather and natural events will change. With the melting of snowy mountains, the sea water level will rise up and will submerge many parts of the earth. Many islands will submerge into the water. With the rise in sea surface temperature, the precipitation system will change. Many parts will experience cyclonic events with extremely heavy rains or no rains situation. At present, in Australia, the wet areas are getting more rains and the dry areas are drying more. Indian rainfall pattern is also changing. Climate change is affecting all on the Earth.

Who reacts the first? The fish. They have started moving from the adverse weather conditions to the suitable condition. 

Their movement remind the Hindu mythological story of Matsyavtara. Matsya protected the Manu and seven sages (Agatsya, Atri, Bhardwaj, Gautama, Jamdagni, Vashistha, Visvamitra) at the time of last pralaya. The saptarshi keep changing for every Yuga. The boat carrying 8 was tied up with the the horns of the fish, Vasuki was used as rope and they moves away from the pralaya area. After 7 days, when the pralaya ended and water subsided, Manu/Satyavrata created the human race again.

Dissolution through flood is a tale common across cultures. Jesus also talked about the deluge. What is happening around? Wars, religious deception, famine, natural disasters, epidemics, incredible and rapid increase in knowledge, poisoning of the air and water, Birds of the air and the Fish of the seas dying in huge numbers; are these the Biblical signs of deluge?

Collision between earth and a killer asteroid has been predicted. If it hit the ocean, the miles high tidal waves will flood most coastal cities of the world. If it hit the land, the shock wave would flatten large land mass. A kilometre size of asteroid would create cosmic havoc.

The world may end by an act of God one day, but if God delay, humans have created more than 50,000 nuclear weapons to destroy themselves. Are we sleeping? 

Each creation has life, including the lives on earth.

Punamchand
15 March 2016

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Sadhu, the Holy Men

Sadhu the Holy Men

Sadhus are very important people in human life. They are lighted lamps, by whom, others can light their lamps up. They are the Gurus, carry people from darkness to light. They are the lights of the world.

By giving example of Cotton plant, Tulsidasji has described the conduct of a Sadhu.

"Sadhu charit subh charit kapaasu, niras bisad gunmay phal jasu;
jo sahi dukh parchhidra durava, bandniy jehi jag jas pava" (RCM, Balkand, 3.3)

Cotton plant, the fruit whereof is tasteless, white and fibrous; even by suffering hardships of ginning, spinning and weaving; cover the body (faults) of others; the holy men conduct is nobel, free from attachment, stainless, full of goodness, even by suffering hardships, cover others' faults; thereby earned in the world a renown which is worthy of adoration. 

Yogiji Maharaj of BAPS Swaminarayan sect, used to sing "Chosath Padi" (8x8=64 verses) composed by Nishkulanand Swami, describing the qualities that enable one to distinguish between a true sadhu and a false sadhu. The way wood and stone carry average value; but if carved by a sculptor/craftsman, they become priceless; similarly, Sadhu/Guru can make the ordinary human, priceless. Lalji Carpenter became Nishkulanand Swami, guided us, how to find a true sadhu to surrender our mind and the life breathe.

During my visit to Las Vegas for few hours in the night in 2008, Kamlesh Patel was my tour guide. He started his career as a driver, and became a manager of the hotel. He had shown me all the important places, mostly the casinos of LV. He was explaining me, which design of the fountain, roof, campus were studied and used by Sadhus, while building temples. In Casinos, he was walking through the corridor, but was keeping a safe distance with the people playing on casinos. His car was playing Chosath Padi all the time. When moving out of the car we were facing Casinos and when moved into the car, Chosath Padi lyrics entering into the mind. Chosad Padi was working like a guard, didn't allow us to attach with any of the attractions of the LV.

At midnight, we had a coffee at his motel. He was living in the motel with his small family of four. Rooms rent was their source of income, mostly coming from the tourists occupancy and from the enjoyer of human flesh. He was contributing 10% of his net income to the religious institution. He remained detached with the frat world, though living in the city of LV. Because, he was under the security of Chosath Padi. 

In the world of unhappiness and insurgency, only true Sadhus / holy men, can restore peace and harmony by bringing the people from darkness to light.

Sadhu doesn't mean the people wearing saffron or white clothes or wearing robs; but all those carry the characteristics described in Ramcharit Manas and Chosath Padi.

Sadhu Charit...subh charit Kapasu....

Punamchand
14 March 2016

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Hill Bathing

Hill Bathing

Before the onset of spring, tree and plants sheds their leaves, Autumn is ready to welcome Spring, there is moisture in the weather to support new sprouts in ecosystem; Tribal living in forests and hilly areas perform "Hill Bathing". They offer a coconut to the deity, burn incense sticks and then burn the surface of the hill by fire. It is called Hill Bathing (Dungra Navravava). It may be part of the ritual of a baby born or a marriage event in the family. But every year, it keeps the forest staff in high alerts to check so that the fire doesn't escape and burn the forest and its flora & fauna.

The ancient tradition may have some reasons and logics, i.e.,: replacement of forest with grasslands, to promote biodiversity, for easy hunting when animals come to eat fresh new grass sprouts, to reduce insects, etc, but the present generation perform the act of hill bathing as a traditional ritual. However, with the awareness, education, and check by the forest staff; the incidents are decreasing.

In the Mahua tree forest areas, tribal burn the sheded leaves under the tree so that they can collect the Mahuva fruits easily. But when the fire escapes, it damages the forest.

Not only in India, Hill Bathing is a tradition followed by the tribal in other parts of the world including Native American.

One may agree or not with the Jewish and Christian traditional belief of world beginning from the Temple Mount (Mount Morian, Jerusalem), but may agree that the tradition of hill bath with fire connects the roots of tribal of the world on the hills tops of the forest. 

Punamchand
13 March 2016

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Brahma Bhoj

Brahma Bhoj

The father in law of one of our IFS officers, a Maithil Brahmin, died recently. As a ritual, the son in law tonsured head along with other relatives. 11 Brahmins were invited for Brajma Bhoj to complete the rituals of the diseased.

Why Brahmins are invited for meal on such occasion? Somebody has died and when people of that family are in grief, how could Brahmins, relatives and villagers can eat meal with laddu and other sweets? I raised a question.

"Their (brahmins) presence is a future of the diseased", Arun replied instantly. Whatever has been offered to them (food, sweets, cow, utensils, etc) will reach to the diseased in heaven. It is a ritual that transfer punyas through the stomach of the Brahmins.

And at the end of the meal, one has to ensure that the Brahmins shouldn't return happily?

Why?

If they return happily, then they may wish for another such event in the family, so that they can come again. One more casualty!

Therefore, after the meal when the Brahmins return; the family, relatives and friends throw charcoal and wastes over them so that they return unhappily, not carry any desire to return.

They are called 'Katua' or 'Patra' Brahmins. They are different from the Brahmins who do pooja rituals.

Brahmins were the educational institutions of India. Keeping a food stuff of more than three meals was considered a sin. They will not desire for land. The Society was bound to feed them. The Bhiksha was not a begging but a 'income tax' over the society, an earning avenue of the Brahmins to survive and sustain with knowledge.

Mysterious India.

Punamchand
12 March 2016

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Women is the Power, not been Empowered

Women is Power, not been Empowered.

This world is the manifestation of Prakriti and Purusha, the 'She' and 'He' energies of the Creator. She is the fire energy in all. Being a Vaushnavi in all creatures, she carries the power to hold the seed, rears it, delivers it and care them all after the birth. From Mother of the Universe (Durga) to Mother at home, it is the "She power", that wins. When all three Devas/Energies (Brahma Vishnu Mahesha) fail, She is our guard against the evil forces. 

In humans, mother matters more than the father. Father simply earns, but the real work in family or at the farm are done by the Mother. Many males of the present generation are addict of alcohol, therefore, many a times, the female of the house has to perform the role of a 'mother' of all including the husband. When the Sun sets and the males get drawned in alcohol, she holds the family for the Sun rise, next morning. Many families survived in the darkness of poverty and hardships of life for decades, with a hope that their Sun will rise at one fine morning. Without her holds, millions of humans would have gone into depression. The mental health clinics are less because there is "Mother power" in each family. She is our 'care centre'.

When the husband loses his potency to earn livelihood for the family, she goes for earning. She does all kinds of works without bothering about the dignity of her labour. What a patience she has! Under the suppression of male and knowing well that the hardships she is facing is not going to end for years, still every morning, she wakes up, attends all house hold works, feeds us, cares us and earns for us. Isn't it a miracle of her divinity? Whatever happiness, peace, joy, love, bliss, mercy, compassion, we see around, these are the outcomes of her energy.

Minus she, we are nothing. With her we have hope of the Sun rise of the family and of the Community.

When the males shy, females sound their power by beating plates with rollers (belan)!!!

Salute to all Women, the Mothers of All.

नारी तु नारायणी।

Punamchand
9 March 2016

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Adbhutam, it happens only in India

Adbhutam, it happens only in India.

Have you ever heard about currency shower on earth? In an hour 200,000 rupees notes shower over the heads of the artists. Generally, the followers of Sarasvati are poor and followers of Lakshmi are rich, but world changed here, the Lakshmi showers over Sarasvati. Even the Sadhus can't keep themselves away, open the bundles of notes and making the shower powerful. 

Don't you believe? Come to Junagarh in Shivratri Mela. The 5 days Mela has started on 3rd March 2016 with the Dhwaja Arohan over Bhavnath Shiva Temple. The Mela will end tonight with the holy bath of hundreds of nude sadhus in Mrigi Kund along with Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva. Thousands of people have come here to colour themselves in Bhakti of Lord Shiva. More than 100 Annakshetras are serving food and tea free of cost to more than 2 lakh people everyday. The owner of Atul Rishaws Shri Jatantibhai and his family have spent Rs. 35 million on "Rukhad Manas Ram Katha" for 9 days by Morari Bapu. "Rukhad Bava tu to halvo halvo halje, eva garvani mathe re Rukhadio jalumbio". Algari masti of Maha Shiva and his disciples including the Holy mountain Girnar (the Kailash of the West) are making the environment vibrant. The Rukhad of all trees, Palas, leaving all the leaves, blossom with beautiful orange flowers joined into the masti of Lord Shiva. The lions (33) in the area keeping safe distance from the people also walk Rukhad in the forests of Girnar.

There are many falk artists and singers performing their arts of Sarasvati at various ashram and places. All mikes are full on in this Mahafestival. Two artists are very popular here; Kirtidan Gadgavi and Mir Osman Mer. If you haven't seen "Mahasarasvati" or the divine manifestation of Shri Krishna mentioned in Chapter 10 of Shrimad Geeta, come and see them in the performance of these artists. 

"Whatever is endowed with glory, brilliance, and power; Know that to be a manifestation 
Of a fraction of My splendor." (G. 10.41) 

You will believe the wonder power of the Almighty. Sadhus and Sansari together shower their wealth of currency notes over them in thousands. The compounds full of crowds set on the ground cheers with joy in the orchestra of Harmonium, Tabla and Manjira. And, Devi Lakshmi couldn't resist herself in these joyous moments, shower over Sarasvati, over the singers and artists.

More than a million people have come to this place during these 5 days. Ramkatha of 9 days added some more before the start of the Mela. Thousands of pilgrims have spent their nights on ground. Old, young, males, females, children, all are just here to take holy bath in Shiva Bhakti, Shiva Masti. Some mast may enjoy chilam of the Babas and some may drink Bhang Ras. With or without toxic, all are drawn into the Shiva Sagar, the Rukhad Baba.

Hundreds of Sadhus from all over the country have come here. Many of them are nude. Some are in akhadas and some are sitting on footpaths. Footpath market of spirituality. People shop spirituality from them. Their procession tonight of an hour will display the strength of human following path of celibacy and tantra, the path of Aghori. After the procession, they will take holy bath with Lord Shiva in Mrigi Kund at midnight tonight. All your chase of desires and money will wash away in minutes, your mind will reach to the thoughtless stage, and you will walk in dhyana all the time, and will attain the spiritual heights without efforts in this Mahashivratri Mela. If you are nearby, drive fast and join to enjoy the nectar of Shiva, the Mahadeva.

Hats off to the Ashramas, Sadhus, People and administration for making the event successful.

Punamchand
7 March 2016
Bhavnath, Junagrh

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Food and Thoughts

Food and Thoughts

Hinduism believes that food influence our mind. Our thoughts are the output of our food. "Jaisa anna vaisa mann". Food is called "anna devata". Therefore, Indians are extra conscious while eating or drinking. Garlic and onion have been prohibited as it deviate mind into worldly affairs.

Once Swami Ramkrishna Paramahansa became thirsty. He stopped at his disciple's house coming on way. But he didn't drink water as it was offered by the servant. He experienced different thought process in the mind of the servant.

Gandhiji has written about his jail experience when he killed his mother in dream. He wrote, that the food was cooked by a murderer that evening.

It is believed that food and water carry the effect of the thoughts of the giver. The thought process will vary in hotel meal and home meal. Meal cooked by mother, wife or servant carry different effect.

Therefore the Sadhak is always in alert on food and drink as they influence his thought process and the union with the Brahman. Little deviation may disconnect him from the signals and he may need more efforts to reconnect. Mobile world of present can easily understand the signals and connections, disconnection.

However, all are not believers of such logic. All water is Ganga Jal, if we see it's Creator. Jesus ate fish and drank wine. Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa used to eat fish (fish in Bengal is considered veg). Swami Vivekananda was fond of non vegetarian food when he was away from the Ashram. But while engaged in Sadhana he ate strict sattvic diet. He had said that if you think that only vegetarian food brings you nearer to God, goats will claim that honour.

Goat and all in the universe are not only nearer to God but within God. The universe and the creatures are the manifestation of the Brahman. Therefore, the sadhana is not for doing rituals but for realisation of the truth. It is called "aparoksh" experience. It is not called "pratyaksh" (in front of the eyes) but called "aparoksh". We experience division of the world in our mind, but in self realisation stage, the division disappears. Individual identity merge into universal consciousness. The "dwanda" ends, therefore it becomes "aproksh", direct, jaggery tasted directly, not in words.

Human mind is the cleverest mind on earth. The mind, the screen is better than other creatures to realize the truth. The trinity of "drashta, drashya and darshana" merge into one, the darshana, the knowledge. Therefore, while observing the "chitta", one observes the thought process.

If the road is full of vehicles with noise and air pollution, the speed will be slow as well as the journey with be unpleasant. But if the vehicles are removed, then the same road gives peace, speed and pleasure of the journey. Therefore, our rishis have guided some codes for food, karma, etc, based on their experiences. These are the means, useful like a runway for the plane to fly. But once the plane takes off, they are left behind. In "aproksha" stage, the division disappears, all become one, therefore, the concept of veg-non veg also disappears. But till one is on the ground, runway is necessary.

What is in heart and in mind is more important than what is in stomach. Hindu way of sadhana is to make the mirror (chitta) clean and stable so that it captures the image as it is.

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Bible, Mathew 15.11)

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Punamchand
2 March 2016

NB: Majority Indians are non vegetarian. Jains only can claim the label of vegetarian, provided milk and milk products are included in veg list.

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Poverty doesn't follow Caste-2

Poverty doesn't follow Castes-2

Before launching non violent freedom movement, Gandhi traveled the Country for a year. He saw the poverty of the people and their dependency on rain for agriculture. Except the agriculture season of 60-90 days, people had no work to perform during the rest of the year. He initiated freedom struggle with the "Charkha Andolan". Spinning cotton thread on Charkha (spinning wheel) and weaving cloth made in self vibrated the mass of India. The cotton thread and music of the spinning wheel united India for the freedom struggle. British ruined Indian weavers through textile mills of Manchester, but the neo weavers of India, the freedom fighters, became a new challenge for the British. Gandhi opened the door of economic independence.

But his son Harilal, employed as a cashier by a mill owner in Kolkata mill, stole Rs. 30,000 from the cash box to buy "Synthetic Fabric" to encase the opportunity of making money during the world war. His calculations went wrong. The prices of the fabric fell down and he had lost the stolen money. His theft was caught. He lost the job. Gandhi published a news line, cut his relationship with him as father and warned people to not to lend him any money as his son. Later his life was ruined in the red streets of Kolkata. Gandhi died as "Light of India" and Harilal died as his "Shadow".

The invention of synthetic yarn (MMF, Man Made Fibre) revolutionized textile industry.

Dhurubhai Ambani established a Synthetic Yarn mill (Vimal) in Naroda, Ahmedabad in 1975 and started the vibration in the Textile Industry of Ahmedabad, the Manchester of the East. The Naroda mill didn't grow much but most of the cotton textiles mills of Ahmedabad were closed down in a decade. Year 1984, was a turning point. The organised mill industry moved to the unorganized sector of power looms and the synthetic revolution was moved from Ahmedabad to Surat. 

Surat (Suryapur) was the entry point for the foreigners. Portuguese established their fortress in Surat in 16th century and were mastered over sea trade. British established their first factory in Surat in 1615. British later moved to Bombay and the decline of Surat started. 

But after independence, the MMF and Diamonds have changed its fate again. The glory returned. Textile and Diamond Industries have made Surat, the fastest growing City of India. It is the financial capital of Gujarat and one of the highest earners of the tax revenue for the Central and the State government. It produces 30 million metres synthetic clothes everyday. 90 of the 100 diamonds of the world pass through Surat for cutting and polishing. 

The city of 776,533 population in 1981, became city of 2.43 million people in 2001 and 5.06 million in 2011. 

Surat has 450 textiles mills, 700,000 looms, 80,000 embroidery machines, 50,000 retail shops, the transporters and forward-backward businesses, giving employment to 2 million people. Diamond industry has employed another 1 million people. Saurastra, particularly the people from Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad made a new Saurastra in Surat. 

Thousands have been employed in building construction and allied activities. Thousands of youths from Orissa, Bihar, UP, Maharastra, Rajasthan, etc, are flooding and working in Surat. Unless someone says, I am not willing to work, everybody has some work in Surat.

Gujarati Poet Narmad described it, "Surat Sonani Murat" (Golden city of Surat). It is the Golden City of Gujarat.

But then why the tribal people living in adjacent to Surat remained poor? Why didn't they avail the benefits of employment opportunities generated by Surat? Some did but many preferred village life of poverty to the money life of slums.

Why?

Was it because of their castes of tribal?

Was it because, they are from the depressed classes?

Big No.

Surat demands skilled, hard working and committed work force. The labourers of other States work for more hours and go on leave occasionally. Earning is their major objective. Many of them live single, concentrate more on earning and work over time. Their targets are clear; work more, earn more and save more. The industries in Surat are getting skilled labourers as per their needs. 

But the local workers of surrounding tribal areas were not meeting with the  requirements of the market. They were unskilled. Their frequency of leaves and reluctance of working in odd hours may disturb the production and supply line of goods. It's a world of competition. Manufacturers have to play safe. Some people, the alcohol addict, can't be productive. As a result the industries in Surat preferred labourers from other states to locals. However, many tribal are working in Surat. 

The development of Surat has reduced poverty of the surrounding areas. But the argument remains, when the City was growing fast with lot of economic activities, why the tribal people in the adjacent districts remained poor. "Pani mai Min Pyasi..."

They were not poor because they are tribal. One may say that historically and geographically, they were located adversely. But things have been changed a lot, post independence. They didn't acquire the skill under the demand timely. They prefer peaceful natural life of village to the fast life of urban slums. They preferred O² to CO². They lack burning desires to earn money.

Whatever arguments are placed before, but none can say that they were unemployed in Surat because they were depressed, they were tribal.

Post independence, Poverty doesn't follow Castes.

Punamchand
20 February 2016

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Cabled City of Kolkata

British arrived first in Sutanati village and with Kalikota and other 5 villages,  they founded the trading port of Calcutta for the EIC through a trading license in 1690. They understood the culture and temperament of the local people, used the unrest against the Nawabs and made the outsourced EIC, the ruler of India. 

Kolkata became the port of transporting wealth of India to London. It was the seat of power of the British Governor General and Viceroy for many years, till it was shifted to Delhi in 1911. It's famous Howrah Bridge (cantilever bridge), standing with pride and attracting tourists. It hasn't caught the rust till date.

Year after year, population of Kolkata is increasing. The city of 150,000 population in 1901, has recorded 14.1 million population with its suburbs in 2011 census.

If you wish to see more Bengalis, come on Holi or Chhath day when the Biharis go on leave to their native places, Dinesh, the taxi driver was telling. Migrants have turned the locals into a minority. Bihari muslims along with Bangladesi muslims are in majority here. Bengali Hindus may feel oneness with Bangladesi, due to Bangla language. At the end, the minority Hindus from Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, etc, become critics of Didi, when she attends a namaj. If CPM and Congress align together, the ruling may find it tough to win the coming assembly elections, Dinesh was explaining. Bihari (Madhubani) drivers talk politics a lot.

Bengali people in general are soft and sweet, prefer happy life of soft skills, business and light work/jobs. Many bengalis have settled abroad. They are the biggest tourists groups of India.

The owners may be Bengali, Gujarati, Marvadi; but all the units, shops, factories handling iron, metal, rolling works, pulling & pushing activities, etc, have Bihari and Jharkhandi labourers. Bengalis don't like black colour of work on their clothes. Some bangali labourers can be seen in vegetables and fish markets. The bangladesi run paidal rickshaw, start and close the day any time. Bihari drivers work in odd hours and earn more. The locals have initially allowed the labourers inflow from other states to work for them, but now oppose them because, as they share jobs and power. In country side, the Bengali have continued with their occupation of Agriculture. A house, pady farm, fish pond, some goats, etc, are sufficient for them to live a happy life.

As the city absorbs the new comers, inflow of workers hasn't stopped. A worker can "start up" with Rs.220/day wage income. The mason and his worker earn Rs. 520/day and Rs.320/day respectively. The carpenter charges Rs.650/day. Auto rickshaw driver may earn Rs. 5000/month and a taxi driver Rs. 15000/month. It may be a dream for the labourer to own a house as it became very costly, but he can find a rental space as per his paying capacity.

Kolkata can be considered a well managed city by the administration, dealing with the affairs of such a huge population. People get uninterrupted electricity supply 24x7. They receive total 5 hrs drinking water supply daily, thrice in a day: 6.30am to 9.00am, 12 pm to 1pm, 5pm to 6.30pm. Public transport is cheap and its frequency is good.

People may look divided amongst the groups: Bengali, Bangladesi, Bihari, Jharkhandi, Odiya, Gujarati, Marvadi, Hindu, Muslim, Communist, Trinmul (Maa, Mati, Manush), Congressi, BJP, etc, but are well connected through the TV Cables. One can see 50-60 cables in rows, hanging over the poles throughout the city. In absence of Tata Sky or GTPL, the city is watching TV only through cable connections only. It became a Cabled City. 

Clothes are cheap here, provided you know the art of bargaining. You may visit the Gariahat market and can do shopping in hurry. Food is in plenty and economical. Chicken roll and Muglai Paratha (made in eggs) are popular amongst non vegetarian youths and veg chop is liked by vegetarian youths. Biharis haven't departed from their taste of Bihar, the litti-chuda.

In few hours, you can't catch all the flavours of the city, but surely visit the "Mithai" shop and taste the sweets of Bengal: Rasgulla, Sandesh, kachagola, amriti, chamcham, langcha, gauja, bodey, mini dana, sonpapadi, ras malai, mishti dahin etc, with Samosa and khasta puri.

Fish is considered a vegetarian dish in Bengal. Brahmin Pujari may add fish in the list of prayer articles. He can eat fish and perform pooja. Other than fish, all marine species are considered non-vegetarian. 

"Machher jhol" (fish kari) and rice, is a staple food of Bengal. I thought the dish has more water and little fish therefore called, "machher jhol".  But after a cruise (Paramhansa of Vividha) trip to Sundarban, my interpretation changed. The water of river Hooghly and high tide water of the Bay of Bengal are making a "Jhol". The brackish water of the jhol is suitable for the production of many fish varieties, without which a Bengali meal is incomplete. The fish cultivated from this jhol may be called the "machher jhol", I have extended my logic.

You may find shops in village site, counting seeds of shrimps (like thread worms) 1-2-3.. and selling at the rate of Rs.1 per seed. The price may vary from 10 Paise to Rs.1.5 per seed as per season. Farmers buy and cultivate them in paddy farm or grow separately in fish ponds. An investment of Rs. 25 turns into Rs. 80 (the value of tiger/bagda prawn of 100 gms) in 90 days. The consumer in hotel may be paying double. Aquaculture is feeding many people. 

Jains considers the fish as the head of Rahu. If this logic is propagated more, the religious community of Bengal may leave fish. But Bengali without fish is no Bengali. They can't give up their skills of segregating bones and flesh of Ilish (Hilsa) in mouth!

People are vocal and like mike the most. Newspapers are read by all. They keep track of even Obama.

Salute Kolkata, Salute Bengal.

Punamchand
Namkhana-Narayanpur
27 February 2016

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