...Tell me whatever did you find! ( Speaking Tree, 5th Oct 2010)
HOLDING A MIRROR TO ONESELF
Almost all of us reading this newspaper invariably take a look at ourselves in the mirror atleast once a day. The mirror diligently and un-judgementally reflects what is and what is not. We accept its verdict without much complaint. We then try to better, in whatever way possible, that which is possible to somewhat change and leave the rest of it by living with it in acceptance. We take pride in what we have in terms of our form, beauty, looks and the like and try to be as un-affected as possible with what we lack. We may also resolve and work towards those areas that need to be improved. We step out of the house, with this ‘approved’ confidence, and are ready to take on the world.
Now let us take this mirror to showcase the reflection of our mind and heart! Have you ever attempted this? Chances are that most of us don’t take the effort, not so much because we may not know how to do so, but more perhaps because we may not approve of the magnitude of reflection we might get to see. It may be too much for our ego state to accept. We will easily understand that it is never easy to get ourselves to accept what we don’t like to see in us, especially that which we cannot actually ‘see’. Let me explain.
Imagine a plump lady or a young balding man standing in front of the mirror. The lady generally turns and twists and tries to admire herself in the mirror specifically from those angles which reflect her to be least plump! Likewise the young balding man will try and ‘recover’ those strands or clumps of hair and meticulously try to cover the most balding patch. And then he will see his reflection in the mirror only from those angles convenient to him i.e. from positions he looks least bald. Both these situations and many such are just naturally arising in an untrained mind.
Let us come back now to the mirror reflecting our mind and heart instead, and try and find out the similarities with the physical experiences in front of the mirror. When we attempt this through a session of meditating in calm abiding, where we are only watching our mind, we will initially try and see our reflected mind from only those angles which our ego state or nurtured mind will encourage us to see. For example we might think “I do get angry, but not so often, so its ok” or “Yes, I do get somewhat envious when my neighbour buys a swank car and desire the same for myself too, but I don’t really keep it in my heart”, or we might see ourselves to be someone most humble and put on this act when we are in reality filled with pride and so on. Likewise is the case when we reflect our heart. Our nurtured mind convinces us that we are the most considerate amongst all others, or that our compassion for others knows no bounds and other such false constructions. However, in reality we may be only practicing sympathy and not really compassion.
So, whatever these initial experiences, they are all ploys of the ego to try and defend itself or fool the wisdom mind by creating an element of doubt or in-acceptance. It wants us to see ourselves from only those angles or positions, which makes us feel momentarily good. By putting on a veil, it hides the uglier side dutifully, as that is the nature of ego. Obviously, these states must be seen and eventually destroyed.
In meditation sessions, we reflect on our clouded state of heart and mind and when we see its ugliness, its polluted nature it is actually a beginning well made! Only when we see a mirror with dirt on it, can there be a further scope of cleaning it, isn’t it? Likewise, with sustained meditative reflection, we are able to observe the mind and heart more and more closely and reach a stage where we are able to see them without their ugly facets, without the dirt. Their true nature dawns upon us. And this experience is one of lasting bliss. As the masters say, a sureshot way to begin to see the merit gained towards achieving enlightenment is to be able to imagine the mind and heart without their defilements. Now, the important thing is to consolidate the gained ground of such experiences through regular meditation sessions. Else, within no time, we may have to begin all over again!
Anger, Greed, Ignorance (of our true nature), Jealousy, Pride, Desire, Habitual Tendencies, Mental Formations and Perceptions are poisons and alongwith other destructive thoughts and actions, are unworthy to be retained within us, by their sheer nature of bringing only harm and suffering upon us. However, as the very purpose of life is happiness, they must go!
At the onset of the festive season, many of you would soon begin to clean up your homes, throwing or gifting away things no longer needed. Just the same way let us spare some time and effort towards cleansing of the heart and mind and discard the attributes that are useless to us.
Buddha nature be yours!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
IDLE WORSHIP!
Rituals without Education:
When I was a young boy growing up in Pune in the 70’s, things were naturally different. Model Colony, which today is the heart of the city, was then classified as being in the ‘outskirts’ of the city. My mom had to walk across to the bus stop near the area post office to accompany my sister back home after attending lectures at Fergusson College. The roads were dark and hoodlums snatched chains riding fast on bi-cycles. I was studying at Loyola, Pashan then and we rode our cycles, our prized possession, four abreast, right under a canopy of banyan trees. Visiting Sindh Society where we had some friends was a chilling adventure on few evenings of the week.
The local Ganpati mandal came a bit later but when it did, it never intruded on our sanity. The melodious arati’s sung by Lata Mangeshkar were a delight to hear every morning as we too did pooja at home and devoured all the goodies mom actually made! Infact, almost everybody made them at home then. Like every other growing children, my two siblings and i were excited to have the Lord of Wisdom home for the five days that he was our guest and all else revolved around him. Even doing homework. And when he was gone, our moods lifted after temporary sulking, as there were neighbourhood Ganesha’s to visit and the mandals were yet inviting.
Years rolled on and marriage happened. We moved out and the tradition of Ganpati continued at folks’ place. Mom began ageing and the goodies became lesser but not one bit less tasty, mind you. Some stuff was outsourced. Core competency of making modaks she retained. And yet does. And then one day she established our worthiness and insisted that we, my wife and i, take over the responsibility of playing the Lords host in our own home. Sure, we agreed. The kids were over the moon!
By this time, the mandals began mushrooming all over the city. The fragmentation became conclusive. As a boy i had read that BG Tilak had some other agenda on his mind. This we, as middle-class parents, conveyed in all sincerity to our kids too. But the outside was turning out to be something else. Weird smelling and burly men came to our doorstep ‘requesting’ vargani. They never seemed happy all the years we home-heartedly parted with whatever we could from dad's honest income, despite his government job. I took my kids to show them around the mandals and turned their attention away when i saw the men gamble and booze binge under the Lord’s glutes. “Good Lord!”, i exclaimed mutedly. The music was no longer melodious. Raunchy and sleaze laced songs with suggestive meanings blared from early mornings late into the nights. Then the Supreme Court stepped in. Youth loitered around the by now massive pandals keeping girls and ladies from many sections of society away from offering their obeisance without keeping half an eye open, just incase the adventure of 'making friendship' got the better off these boys! From simple backdrops, the decorations became electronic, mechanized, digitized, robotized and even disguised. The grandeur of the Lord himself was relegated to second place now loosing out to mankind’s superior decorative abilities.
This got us young adults re-look at the concepts of co-operative living, social celebrations, collective worship, dedicated service and other such. My sense is that the Lord re-visited these concepts too.
Things have only ‘advanced’ in these aspects. In the form of multi-ring security cordon, now man provides protection to the Lord. A few years back when i went visiting mandals, i sensed some vacancy in the spirit from when i was a young boy. And now, my kids don’t seem as excited as they were a few years earlier. They continue to be in playful devotion to the home Lord though. Maybe the crowds keep them away. Maybe the show of strength rather than the purpose of devotion has had a role to play in their transformation. Or maybe their child sense is numbed by the absence of right motivation and the true nature of the celebrations which perhaps have lost their way over time. Or has my perception changed, i wonder? Looking around, i see the same glint of excitement in the eyes of kids who came from far and near as i once had decades earlier as a kid myself and my kids had till only recently, only to diminish instead of getting stronger in these difficult times. Will the same happen to these thousands of kids too, i shuddered to think. Adults with the same faith, as earlier, come to visit my city in hordes during these 10-days. But then i also read with amusement that the sale of condoms sees a spurt during this period! On one hand, i have come to realize that the very purpose of devotion and prayer is to keep the cravings of the mind under vigil, yet this news was contrary to the teachings of the Lord himself. Maybe my simple mind cannot put this jig-saw together, I conclude.
“Never mind, let the music play”, says the Lord, “there is hope to learn and mend ways, isn’t there?”
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Buddhi Dya!
(Hail the Lord! Bestow wisdom upon us in time to come!)
When I was a young boy growing up in Pune in the 70’s, things were naturally different. Model Colony, which today is the heart of the city, was then classified as being in the ‘outskirts’ of the city. My mom had to walk across to the bus stop near the area post office to accompany my sister back home after attending lectures at Fergusson College. The roads were dark and hoodlums snatched chains riding fast on bi-cycles. I was studying at Loyola, Pashan then and we rode our cycles, our prized possession, four abreast, right under a canopy of banyan trees. Visiting Sindh Society where we had some friends was a chilling adventure on few evenings of the week.
The local Ganpati mandal came a bit later but when it did, it never intruded on our sanity. The melodious arati’s sung by Lata Mangeshkar were a delight to hear every morning as we too did pooja at home and devoured all the goodies mom actually made! Infact, almost everybody made them at home then. Like every other growing children, my two siblings and i were excited to have the Lord of Wisdom home for the five days that he was our guest and all else revolved around him. Even doing homework. And when he was gone, our moods lifted after temporary sulking, as there were neighbourhood Ganesha’s to visit and the mandals were yet inviting.
Years rolled on and marriage happened. We moved out and the tradition of Ganpati continued at folks’ place. Mom began ageing and the goodies became lesser but not one bit less tasty, mind you. Some stuff was outsourced. Core competency of making modaks she retained. And yet does. And then one day she established our worthiness and insisted that we, my wife and i, take over the responsibility of playing the Lords host in our own home. Sure, we agreed. The kids were over the moon!
By this time, the mandals began mushrooming all over the city. The fragmentation became conclusive. As a boy i had read that BG Tilak had some other agenda on his mind. This we, as middle-class parents, conveyed in all sincerity to our kids too. But the outside was turning out to be something else. Weird smelling and burly men came to our doorstep ‘requesting’ vargani. They never seemed happy all the years we home-heartedly parted with whatever we could from dad's honest income, despite his government job. I took my kids to show them around the mandals and turned their attention away when i saw the men gamble and booze binge under the Lord’s glutes. “Good Lord!”, i exclaimed mutedly. The music was no longer melodious. Raunchy and sleaze laced songs with suggestive meanings blared from early mornings late into the nights. Then the Supreme Court stepped in. Youth loitered around the by now massive pandals keeping girls and ladies from many sections of society away from offering their obeisance without keeping half an eye open, just incase the adventure of 'making friendship' got the better off these boys! From simple backdrops, the decorations became electronic, mechanized, digitized, robotized and even disguised. The grandeur of the Lord himself was relegated to second place now loosing out to mankind’s superior decorative abilities.
This got us young adults re-look at the concepts of co-operative living, social celebrations, collective worship, dedicated service and other such. My sense is that the Lord re-visited these concepts too.
Things have only ‘advanced’ in these aspects. In the form of multi-ring security cordon, now man provides protection to the Lord. A few years back when i went visiting mandals, i sensed some vacancy in the spirit from when i was a young boy. And now, my kids don’t seem as excited as they were a few years earlier. They continue to be in playful devotion to the home Lord though. Maybe the crowds keep them away. Maybe the show of strength rather than the purpose of devotion has had a role to play in their transformation. Or maybe their child sense is numbed by the absence of right motivation and the true nature of the celebrations which perhaps have lost their way over time. Or has my perception changed, i wonder? Looking around, i see the same glint of excitement in the eyes of kids who came from far and near as i once had decades earlier as a kid myself and my kids had till only recently, only to diminish instead of getting stronger in these difficult times. Will the same happen to these thousands of kids too, i shuddered to think. Adults with the same faith, as earlier, come to visit my city in hordes during these 10-days. But then i also read with amusement that the sale of condoms sees a spurt during this period! On one hand, i have come to realize that the very purpose of devotion and prayer is to keep the cravings of the mind under vigil, yet this news was contrary to the teachings of the Lord himself. Maybe my simple mind cannot put this jig-saw together, I conclude.
“Never mind, let the music play”, says the Lord, “there is hope to learn and mend ways, isn’t there?”
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Buddhi Dya!
(Hail the Lord! Bestow wisdom upon us in time to come!)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Why Nature Refreshes Best!
'Life 365' newspaper, Pune, 20th May 2012
There are a number of ways in which urban dwellers try and soothe their frayed nerves tormented by work stress, competition, lifestyle, loneliness and other modern psycho-physical conditions. Eating out, partying, retail therapy, movies are some methods that bring temporary relief. Few however, have the good fortune to drive into the countryside or take a walk in the woods to derive wholesome benefit. Ever wondered why we get refreshed and invigorated when amidst nature and natural surroundings? Surely you must have heard someone say “Because we come from them and must dissolve into them too”. What does this actually mean?
Kalu Rinpoche writes, “It is from the mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world-which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind and space”.
Whenever we are amidst natural surroundings, conspicuously or subtly, these elements are around us at all times in some form or the other. How they work their magic on us is understood when one analyses that these very elements have qualities of our mind consciousness, the five sense consciousnesses and critical body functions.
Earth: The ability of our mind to serve as the platform or ground of all our experiences, is represented by the quality of the earth element. The physiological system (muscle and bone) of our body is controlled by this element. At death, while the earth element dissolves, it is felt internally by a sinking feeling by the dying person, as though pulled into a deep cave underground. Externally it is represented by heaviness, tiredness and loss of strength of the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell (olfactory senses). It is no wonder that almost all of us love the smell of earth, especially wet earth. Out of sheer affinity, as children, few of us may have even eaten wet mud!
Water: The continuity and adaptability quality of the mind finds in it the same quality as that of water. Our blood circulation and other fluid systems in the body are controlled by this element. In the process of dying, this is represented by water running from the nose and mouth as this element begins to dissolve. Internally the feeling is of parched lips, mouth and throat as the dying person is often offered water. The sense of taste is controlled by the water element.
Fire: The quality of our mind’s clarity and ability to perceive has the same quality as that of the fire element. Our body’s thermal system that regulates body temperature is controlled by this element. During the process of passing away, as the fire element dissolves, the person begins to feel cold and asks to be covered. The breath feels cold. When touched, the body feels cold externally too. The sense of vision is controlled by this element. No wonder people say, that looks can sometimes be fiery hot or cold!
Wind: The quality of our constantly moving mind is comparable to the wind or air element which too is never still. The respiratory system is controlled by the this element. While alive, it is the breath that connects our body to the mind and mind to the consciousness. Breathing stabilizes the mind and its surging emotions. During the dying process, as this element dissolves, the external signs are that of gasping for in-breath and heavy exhalation. Internally the dying person can feel being deflated and being swept away in a great storm as the wind runs out of the body. The sense of touch is controlled by the wind element.
Space: The vast emptiness nature of mind has the quality of the space element which is present but is formless and limitless. The hearing system of the body is controlled by this element. During the process of dying when this element is dissolving the hearing begins to fail and we hear sounds but cannot make out the words. Externally, the sign of peace or bliss can be seen on the face of the person as delusions begin to dissolve. The sense of balance too is controlled by this element. We know that behind the ear drum is the vacuum space for assisting us in maintaining our body balance and hearing. Within us, void or space fills up other cavities too.
As such, an intimate relation exists between the five elements, the qualities of our mind and five sense consciousnesses, inextricable from one another. So, remember to take such breaks regularly, even if it means a quiet walk each day in the neighbourhood garden, to stay refreshed, rejuvenated happy and healthy. Also, be in prayer to these elements for them to be in equilibrium within us. As these simple things are entirely in our hands, so is well-being.
Kalu Rinpoche writes, “It is from the mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world-which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind and space”.
Whenever we are amidst natural surroundings, conspicuously or subtly, these elements are around us at all times in some form or the other. How they work their magic on us is understood when one analyses that these very elements have qualities of our mind consciousness, the five sense consciousnesses and critical body functions.
Earth: The ability of our mind to serve as the platform or ground of all our experiences, is represented by the quality of the earth element. The physiological system (muscle and bone) of our body is controlled by this element. At death, while the earth element dissolves, it is felt internally by a sinking feeling by the dying person, as though pulled into a deep cave underground. Externally it is represented by heaviness, tiredness and loss of strength of the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell (olfactory senses). It is no wonder that almost all of us love the smell of earth, especially wet earth. Out of sheer affinity, as children, few of us may have even eaten wet mud!
Water: The continuity and adaptability quality of the mind finds in it the same quality as that of water. Our blood circulation and other fluid systems in the body are controlled by this element. In the process of dying, this is represented by water running from the nose and mouth as this element begins to dissolve. Internally the feeling is of parched lips, mouth and throat as the dying person is often offered water. The sense of taste is controlled by the water element.
Fire: The quality of our mind’s clarity and ability to perceive has the same quality as that of the fire element. Our body’s thermal system that regulates body temperature is controlled by this element. During the process of passing away, as the fire element dissolves, the person begins to feel cold and asks to be covered. The breath feels cold. When touched, the body feels cold externally too. The sense of vision is controlled by this element. No wonder people say, that looks can sometimes be fiery hot or cold!
Wind: The quality of our constantly moving mind is comparable to the wind or air element which too is never still. The respiratory system is controlled by the this element. While alive, it is the breath that connects our body to the mind and mind to the consciousness. Breathing stabilizes the mind and its surging emotions. During the dying process, as this element dissolves, the external signs are that of gasping for in-breath and heavy exhalation. Internally the dying person can feel being deflated and being swept away in a great storm as the wind runs out of the body. The sense of touch is controlled by the wind element.
Space: The vast emptiness nature of mind has the quality of the space element which is present but is formless and limitless. The hearing system of the body is controlled by this element. During the process of dying when this element is dissolving the hearing begins to fail and we hear sounds but cannot make out the words. Externally, the sign of peace or bliss can be seen on the face of the person as delusions begin to dissolve. The sense of balance too is controlled by this element. We know that behind the ear drum is the vacuum space for assisting us in maintaining our body balance and hearing. Within us, void or space fills up other cavities too.
As such, an intimate relation exists between the five elements, the qualities of our mind and five sense consciousnesses, inextricable from one another. So, remember to take such breaks regularly, even if it means a quiet walk each day in the neighbourhood garden, to stay refreshed, rejuvenated happy and healthy. Also, be in prayer to these elements for them to be in equilibrium within us. As these simple things are entirely in our hands, so is well-being.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Back from Sabbatical!
Dear friends:
It was that time of the year when the urge to take a break from the humdrum or urban living got too significant to be overlooked. This year saw me travel to the Buddhist monasteries of South Karnataka.
Bylakuppe, about 100kms from Mysore, is the larget settlement of Tibetans outside TIbet. It is also the place where two large universities of Namdroling ( Nyingma sect) and Sera Jey (Gelug sect)that impart Buddhist teachings of the highest order and purity are located. About 1000 lamas, young & very young, train here for monkhood at each of these locations. My teacher too resides here and is a post-graduate in Buddhist Philosophy from one of these hallowed institutions.
This time of the year was special. HH the 14th Dalai Lama was expected here between 31st Aug and 3rd Sep. Not only was the atmosphere festive, the thousands of monks who learn here worked alongside lay Tibetans, making special arrangements to welcome HH with a variety of sessions for all to attend. Dignitaries from atleast 15 countries were present too, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebrations of democracy by Tibetans in exile.
Staying with the monks for 2 weeks in the utmost serene, awareness filled and home-hearted surroundings alongside learning, practicing and receiving teachings from Tengyur Rinpoche and other senior monks was truly special.
Also, what was of great interest was the chat up with a group of western monks! These young men were once laity, and it was insightful to know what triggered their decision, what their experience has been and what message they have for the world. Hopefully, a leading national daily will carry it soon...
Some snap shots for you...Peace & prayers for all beings to benefit.
Recommended book: What makes you not a Buddhist - Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
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