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Bharat Mata is Crying

Dr. Arun Kumar Suri. Consultant Pediatrician

Website: http://www.homebusinessandfamilylife.com/

Something is very seriously wrong with our country. Not a day

passes without some serious crime being reported or some major scam

getting unearthed. Our country has acquired the dubious distinction of

being among the most corrupt countries in the world.

Many people are still living below the poverty line. Basic health care is

not available for all people. Infrastructure facilities are still poor. Overall

literacy level is low even though some states like Kerala have very high

rate of literacy. But the conduct of the so called educated people is far

from being satisfactory. Most of them are selfish, self centered, self

serving and have no hesitation in exploiting other people.

The conduct of many of our elected representatives is disgusting to

say the least. People of honesty and integrity constitute a minority. Most

of them place their own interest above the interest of the society. Several

of them are facing serious charges like murder, rape and extortion.

Each political party is only interested in proving that the other party is

not better. It is difficult to believe that any political party is sincerely

interested in rooting out corruption and weeding out criminals.

Divorce rate is increasing and families are breaking apart. Mental

problems like anxiety, depression, and insomnia are on the rise. Children

are not safe even in their own homes. Women are not safe at home, at

their work places or while traveling.

Terrorism has spread its tentacles across many states. Religious

fundamentalism is posing a very serious threat to national unity and

integrity. Many young people are turning to smoking, alcohol and drug

addiction. Promiscuity is on the rise.

To sum up we are witnessing moral bankruptcy on a large scale. Why

do we find ourselves in such a pathetic state? What are the reasons for

the downfall? Is there any hope for the country? How can we resuscitate

and rejuvenate this country?

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India has a glorious past. Ours is the most ancient civilization in the

world. We have a very rich heritage not found in any other country in the

world. What is particularly noteworthy is that the ancient Indian wisdom

has stood the test of time and modern scientific research. Let us take a

look at some salient features of ancient Indian wisdom correlating it with

discoveries in modern science. Then we can understand that the reason

for the downfall of this great country is the neglect of our heritage.

Our enlightened ancestors (Rishis) gave us two streams of knowledge-

Apara vidya (worldly knowledge) and Paravidya (spiritual knowledge)

Various branches of worldly knowledge have been mentioned in

ancient Indian texts. We were pioneers in town planning, architecture,

metallurgy, astronomy, political science and economics (for more

information on this topic please visit the website of Indian Institute of

Scientific Heritage-www.iish.org).

A few examples are being mentioned. The spherical shape of the earth

has been clearly mentioned long before modern scientists discovered it.

The law of gravity also can be found in our ancient texts. Temples built

several centuries ago have withstood the ravages of time and natural

calamities while buildings which are just one or two decades old have

perished.

The atomic structure of the universe has been outlined in the

Vaisheshika system of orthodox Indian philosophy.

That the entire cosmos is a manifestation of just one entity is

categorically stated in the phrase Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma which

means all this is verily Brahman, the Sanskrit word for the ultimate

reality. Modern physics has proved that matter and energy are

interconvertable thus vindicating what the ancient Indian scriptures have

mentioned.

Scientists at NASA have concluded that Sanskrit is the most perfect

language in the world and all Indians should be proud of this.

The Indian system of medicine is more then 5000 years old. It is

called Ayurveda which means the science of life. It has given the most

comprehensive definition of health including the physical, psychological

and spiritual dimensions of health.

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For a long time doctors in the western world dismissed the idea of soul

and said this as there is no evidence they cannot accept the existence of

such as entity. But research in the field of paranormal phenomenon and

parapsychology has yielded irrefutable evidence for the existence of soul.

More and more people in several countries are beginning to accept

the phenomenon of reincarnation due to mounting evidence. Extensive

research has been done by reputed psychiatrists and other scientists in

the field of reincarnation. Past life repression therapy is being employed

successfully is the management of many psychiatric disorders like anxiety

and phobia.

Reincarnation has been unequivocally and emphatically mentioned in

Bhagavadgita which is more than 5000 years old.

The Ayurvedic concepts like doshas and body constitution (Vata, Pitta

and Kapha) are being accepted by many doctors. Universities in many

developed countries have started teaching Ayurveda. While the advances

is modern medicine are certainly useful and indispensible, it should be

remembered that ayurvedic concepts remain relevant for ever.

The importance of preventive medicine has already been mentioned

in Ayurveda. One of the principles of Ayurveda is protecting the health of

the healthy. There is a topic called Swastha vratta in Ayurveda which

means the practices necessary for leading a healthy life. This consists of

Dina charya (daily routine) and Rithu charya (seasonal routine).

Ayurveda gives lot of importance to diet in maintaining health and

treating diseases. It classifies food into three types-Sattvic, Rajasic and

Thamasic. Sattvic food calms the mind and is conducive for spiritual

development. Rajasic food agitates the mind. Research has shown that

changing to a predominantly Sattvic diet can bring down aggressive

behavior in children. Dietary modification is one of the modalities being

tried to reduce crime and improve behavior.

Indiscriminate eating is one of the reasons for increasing crime rate

all over the world. Hope more and more people realize this and consume

predominantly Sattvic food.

Role of diet in the causation of many physical diseases is being

understood by scientists. A person should consume food which suits his

Dosha. Unaware of this many people eat what is not suitable for their

constitution, get sick and run to a doctor. Dietary modification has proved

effective in curing some diseases for which surgery was recommended.

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Ayurveda has recommended a set of exercises called Yogasanas for

healthy life. These exercises keep the joints supple and improve physical

fitness. Some Yogasanas are recommended for the treatment of certain

diseases like for example Bronchial Asthma. Yogasanas have become very

popular in many developed countries.

For a long time people ridiculed the idea of spirit possession which is

mentioned in Ayurveda as a cause of mental illness. Some well known

psychiatrists are convinced that spirit possession is a cause in some

cases. 30 years among the dead is a book written by Dr. Carl A. Wickland,

M.D which throws light on this topic.

Panchakarma an Ayurvedic procedure has been found to be effective

in removing toxins from the body. Many such curative and rejuvenative

procedures have been mentioned in Ayurveda and research is going on to

get scientific evidence.

Para-vidya refers to spiritual knowledge. The spiritual wealth of

India is immeasurable. It aims at helping man realize his real nature as

spiritual and not physical or mental. The Shad-darshanas (six orthodox

systems of Indian philosophy) elaborately deal with the nature of the

individual (Jivatma), the universe and God (paramatma), their

interrelationship and how one can free himself from all suffering. They are

Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta.These works

accept the authenticity of the Vedas. The latter are known as the Sruthis

which means that which is heard. They were revealed to the Rishis in

their meditative states and are not composed by any human beings.

Hence they are also known as Apaurusheya (not man made).

There are four Vedas-Rig veda, Yajurveda, sama veda and Atharva

veda. Yajur veda has two divisions namely Krishna Yajur veda and Shukla

Yajur veda. Each of the Vedas is composed of four parts: The Samhitas, the

Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. The first two parts deal with the rituals and they form the Karma-kanda portion of the Vedas. The

latter two parts form the Jnana-kanda (concerned with knowledge)

portion of the Vedas.

The Nyaya shastra is a logical system of inquiry into the truth.

Using common examples it establishes the existence of God as the

creator. Sometimes the cause may not be seen but its presence is

inferred for example we infer that there is fire on a hill because we see

smoke emanating from it even though we do not see the fire.

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The system goes into the root cause of suffering and says that

identifying oneself with the body-mind complex leads to bondage and

suffering. One can be free from sorrow by acquiring wisdom.

According to Nyya, there are four means of obtaining information. Those

are direct perception (pratyaka), inference (anumana), Analogy

(upamana) and testimony of a trustworthy source (sabda).

The Vaisheshika system as mentioned above describes the atomic

structure of the universe. It says that the interaction of the atoms leads

to different types of materials known as Dravyas. Gods will controls the

behavior of atoms. These Dravyas include the elements space, air, fire,

water and earth and mind, time direction and soul. The characteristics of

all these are described in detail.

The Samkhya system says that creation is brought about by Prakriti

and Purusha. Purusha or Paramatma (God) is the cause and Prakriti or creation is the effect.

According to this system the world consists of twenty-four entities.

The five organs of action (hands, feet, speech, excretion and procreation),

the five organs of sense perception (sound, sight, touch, smell and taste), the five vital airs, the five sensations (Tanmatras) and the four inner

organs (Antharendriyas) of Manas, Buddhi, Chitta and Ahamkara add up to twenty-four and constitute the world.

Each of the five sensations (Tanmatras) is associated with an

element-sound with space, touch with air, sight with fire, smell with earth and taste with water.

When soul which represents the twenty fifth principle gets attached

to the above mentioned twenty four entities an individual comes into existence.

Paramatma or God represents the twenty sixth principle. The soul has to detach itself from the twenty four principles and reach the Paramatma in

order to escape from all suffering.

The Yoga system of Patanjali contains step by step instructions on

how a soul can free itself from suffering. It consists of eight steps and hence is also known as Astanga Yoga (Asta means eight and anga refers

to components or steps). Yoga is defined as the control of thought waves. By stilling the mind one can experience ones true nature as bliss. This should not be confused with Hatha Yoga which refers to yogasanas mentioned earlier which are meant for maintaining physical fitness.

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The Yoga system recommends a code of conduct to be followed by

spiritual aspirants. Without following a proper conduct one cannot expect to progress spiritually. The system then describes the process of

meditation also known as Raja Yoga. Raja yoga is a scientific method of reversing the flow of current in the nervous system so that one is not

disturbed by the inputs from the senses. With regular practice one can experience peace and joy within.

It may be difficult for todays people to understand the Yoga of Patanjali. Though there are many translations there is scope for confusion. Paramahansa Yogananda has written lessons on the techniques

of meditation. These lessons are in English and most people can understand easily. These lessons contain important information on several

aspects of life and include inspirational poems, advice regarding diet, exercises which later help in meditation and the need for leading a

balanced life. Irrespective of religion and country of origin, anyone can

get these lessons from the Self Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles USA or from the Yogoda Satsang Society in Ranchi India.

The Mimamsa system deals with the rituals mentioned in the Vedas

and educates us on Dharma or righteous conduct. It deals with the law of Karma or cause and effect. We reap what we sow. We reap the

consequences of our actions. Hence we should perform only good deeds.

Those who perform good deeds on earth will enter a better world (heaven) after leaving their physical bodies. Those who perform evil

deeds enter hell.

For a long time scientists thought descriptions of heaven and hell

are fairy tales. But now many scientists are beginning to accept that there

are different dimensions of existence. What we perceive with our senses

is not the only reality. Scientists are convinced that it is possible to

communicate with departed souls and gather information about other

dimensions of existence. One neuro-surgeon Dr. Eben Alexander has

written a book entitled Proof of heaven.

To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her

Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story is another book by

Mary C. Neal M.D. There are many more books on this topic.

Vedanta represents a giant leap in the process of intellectual inquiry. The quintessence of Vedanta is that God is the only truth and that

the entire universe of myriad names and forms is an illusion.

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Many examples are given to explain this truth. In semidarkness a

piece of rope can be mistaken for a snake. In the same manner Brahman

is perceived as the world.

The three states of the human mind are used to describe the dream

like nature of the world. While dreaming a person may see himself in

another role or have different experiences. When he wakes up he knows

that what he experienced while dreaming was not real.

When a person wakes up spiritually he realizes that this world is

only a dream.

Scientists in the field of quantum physics have realized that more than

99% of an atom is empty space. Hence most of what appears to be solid

is actually empty space. This may sound incredible but is true.

Science has also shown that matter and energy are interconvertible.

This shows that the same entity can manifest in different ways. The unity

behind the diversity of creation can be seen at many levels. Every human

being is different. But all human bodies are made up of the same

materials. In fact all living beings are made up of the same materials-

carbohydrates, proteins, fat, minerals and vitamins.

Ultimately we can reduce all materials into atoms. All atoms are

made up of the same elementary particles. Hence all materials can be

reduced to elementary particles. It is always possible to think of a smaller

particle because size is relative. Hence anything which has dimension can

be divided further. Finally we end up with energy. If matter can be

converted into energy and vice versa which one came first-matter or

energy?

Every change is relative and we cannot perceive change without a

changeless background. Hence matter or energy cannot be considered as

the ultimate source of everything. That ultimate source is referred to as

Brahman in Vedanta. As Brahman cannot undergo any change creation is

only an illusion superimposed on Brahman.

Some scientists have started questioning the materialistic theory of

the universe. For a long time scientists believed that consciousness is

produced by the biochemical reactions in the brain. This has been

conclusively disproved and it has been shown that consciousness survives

brain death and is independent of brain function. Hence the materialistic

theory is giving way for the biocentric theory. There is a book entitled

Physics proves God by Ron Pearson.

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The Upanishads, the Bhagavadgita and the Brahma Sutra are

considered as the authentic works on Vedanta. They are referred to as

Prasthana-trayi.

The exact number of Upanishads is not known with certainty but

about 108 are mentioned out of which about 13 are considered as

important ones. The Upanishads clearly state that Brahman cannot be

known by our senses or mind. The double slit experiment in quantum

physics gives a glimpse of this truth as matter is found to behave both as

particle and wave.

Brahman is described as the eye of the eye, ear of the ear and the

mind of the mind. Brahman is also described as that from which all beings

emerge, that which sustains all beings and that into which all beings

merge.

The Bhagavadgita is part of Mahabharata which is one of our epics.

It contains 700 verses (seven hundred) and gives lot of information on

the four paths which lead man to God- Karma Yoga, Bhakthi Yoga, Jnana

Yoga and Raja Yoga.

It also deals with down to earth topics the type of food we should

eat in order to remain healthy, the need to avoid all extremes and

observe moderation in work and sensual enjoyment. It is being hailed all

over the world as an important book on management lessons. It has been

highly praised not only by prominent Indians like Mahatma Gandhi but also

Aldous Huxley, Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Ralph Waldo Emerson,

Carl Jung and Herman Hesse.

The Bhagavadgita tells us that true happiness can only be found within

ourselves. It exhorts us to free ourselves from attraction and aversion to sensory

objects. It advises us to treat pain and pleasure alike with equanimity. This may

sound strange because it is natural for people to seek pleasure and try to avoid

pain. But analysis of neurophysiology reveals that both pain and pleasure are

electrical impulses in the nerves initiated by stimulation of nerves and lead to

some electro-biochemical changes in the corresponding areas of the brain. There

is no fundamental difference between these reactions but yet some impulses are

interpreted as painful and some as pleasurable.

The chapter on Bhakthi Yoga describes how a person can become

dear to God. It clearly states that one should be totally free from hatred

towards any being and extend friendship and compassion for all. It is

clearly stated that the same spirit dwells in the hearts of all living beings.

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If people realize this they will make an attempt to eschew hatred and

violence.

For a long time western people thought that Krishna is an imaginary

character and Mahabharata a fairy tale. Archeological investigation has

revealed the presence of a city under the sea where Dwaraka was said to

have existed. This proves that the description of Dwaraka is true.

The Brahma Sutras is a collection of 555 aphorisms in four

chapters. It organizes the information in the Upanishads in a systematic

manner. The sutras describe the nature of Brahman, the qualities one

needs in order to undertake the study of Vedanta, cause of human

suffering and how one can ultimately overcome all sorrow by realizing

Brahman,.

Several commentaries have been written on all three works

(Upanishads, Bhagavadgita and Brahma Sutra) by many people. The

commentary by Adi Shankaracharya is considered as the most authentic.

Shankaracharya is one of the greatest intellectuals of all times. Within a

span of just thirty two years he wrote commentaries on the three texts of

Vedanta, composed some books on knowledge of self (Viveka chudamani,

Atma Bodha, Drik-Drishya viveka) and also many hymns.

Systematic study of the Vedas and Shad-darshanas takes several

years. Many universities in other countries are also offering courses on

these subjects. It is not possible for all people to undertake such

elaborate study. There is no need to get disheartened. It is not mandatory

to study all these to earn the grace of God. One can follow other paths

like Karma Yoga (rendering selfless service to others) or Bhakthi Yoga

(path of devotion to a personal God) depending on ones temperament.

The most important message is that man can experience lasting

peace and joy only by realizing his true nature as spiritual and not

physical. He should remember all the goals of life namely Dharma

(righteous conduct), Artha (earning money), Kama (fulfillment of sensual

desires) and lastly Moksha or realizing his true nature. When man forgets

Dharma and Moksha and concentrates only on Artha and Kama he

becomes a devil. A world full of such people will be a hell.

India has also given a very rich and scientific system of music.

There are seven basic notes-Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni. Of these Sa

and Pa remain unchanged in an octave and are referred to as Prakriti

Swaras. The other five have two forms each and are referred to as Vikriti

Swaras. The permutation and combination of the 12 notes gives rise to 72

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parent ragas. From these parent ragas thousands of ragas are derived

leading to an incredible and bewildering range of tunes.

The origin of Indian classical music can be traced to the Vedas.

Later Bharatamuni wrote a treatise called Natya Shastra containing about

6000 (six thousand) verses. The exact period of this work is not known

but believed to be between 200 B.C and 200 A.D. It also deals with the

bhavas (emotions) that may be evoked by music. This treatise is based

on the much older Gandharva Veda (appendix to Sama Veda) which

contained 36000 verses.

The benefits of classical music on the body and mind have been

demonstrated using modern techniques. Different ragas (combination of

notes) evoke different emotions with corresponding changes in EEG

patterns.

Listening to soothing music during delivery may bring down anxiety

and pain of labor and reduce the need for medicines. Clinical researchers

at the U.C.L.A. School of Nursing in Los Angeles, and at Georgia Baptist

Medical Center in Atlanta, found that premature babies gained weight

faster when they listened to soothing music.

Classical music has been reported to have had positive effects on

the growth of the fetus as well. Rock music has been shown to cause

discomfort to the fetus.

Cows exposed to classical music have yielded more milk compared

to those cows not exposed to such music. Hence listening to classical

music may increase breast milk production in lactating mothers.

We often come across a mother who complains that her baby is

crying continuously. Such babies usually do not have any physical illness

and thorough physical examination does not reveal any abnormality.

Many people forget that even a small baby has mind and that the delicate

mind can be affected by the negative vibrations in the house.

The effects of music can neutralize the negative vibrations and fill

the house with positive vibrations which can soothe the minds of people in

the house. Ragas like Neelambari and Anandabhairavi are known to

induce sleep.

Many studies conducted by behavioral scientists have shown that

children who learn music are less likely to use tobacco or alcohol and

develop greater interpersonal skills.

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Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose performed some experiments to show

how music affects plant growth. Using an instrument called crescograph which he invented he showed that good music enhances plant growth

while bad music retards plant growth.

Dorothy Retallack of Denver, Colorado, also conducted many experiments in the field of music research to show the effects of different

kinds of music on a variety of household plants. The experiments were conducted under strict scientific conditions, and the plants were kept

within large closed cabinets in which light, temperature and air were automatically regulated.

Some plants were exposed to rock music and others to soothing semi classical music. The plants listening to rock music refused to bloom.

Those on semi classical music developed six beautiful blooms. By the end of the second week, the plants exposed to rock music were leaning away

from the radio and showing very erratic growth.

The plants hearing semi classical were all leaning towards the

sound. Within a month all plants exposed to rock music DIED. If music can be shown to affect plants, then such effects have to be due to the

objective influence of the tones directly upon the structure and function of cells.

Dr. Masaru Emoto a Japanese scientist performed a series of

experiments to find out the physical effect of words, prayers and music on the crystalline structure of water. He took photographs after water

exposed to different kinds of vibrations was frozen to study the crystalline structure.

He showed that water exposed to good music formed beautiful crystals while water exposed to bad vibrations formed asymmetrical and

disfigured crystals. As the human body is made up of 60% water we can imagine the effect good music can have on our body and mind.

It is observed that good music relaxes and opens blood vessels,

while listening to bad music like rock or pop music closes the blood

vessels, leading to stress and mental fatigue.

Music therapy is being tried for various disorders like hypertension,

migraine, anxiety, insomnia, autism, depression and attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder. Classical music has also been found to be useful in

controlling epilepsy. Rock music is known to trigger epilepsy in some

people. Music has been shown to alter the levels of neuro-transmitters

(chemicals responsible for the transmission of impulses in the nerves),

pattern of EEG and functional MRI.

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As increasing crime rate is a worldwide problem authorities in some

countries have tried playing classical soothing music in public places. The

authorities were pleasantly surprised to note a significant drop in the

crime rate. This has been tried in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom

and USA. It may be worth trying this in other places also.

Many teenagers listen to rock music. Research has shown that

rock music leads to aggressive behavior and increase in crimes.

The uniqueness of our classical music is that it goes beyond body and

mind to reach the soul which is a persons real identity. The great

composers of our music sang out of devotion to God. They did not

compose any song for making money.

Through their compositions they exhorted people to conquer the six

inner enemies-lust, anger, greed, attachment, egoism and jealousy. They

explained the real nature of this world, the goals of human life and

motivated people to realize the ultimate goal of life which is experiencing

our spiritual nature. It is the yoga of devotion. Hence it is also called as

Nada Yoga.

Since time immemorial India has been loudly proclaiming that God is

one but people call him by different names. If all the people in this world

understand this simple truth violence in the name of religion will come to

an end.

It is the duty of each and every Indian to always remember this

simple yet profound message from the Vedas- Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha

Vadanti (truth is one people call it by different names). This message

should be prominently displayed in every house, every school, every

college, every other institution (both private and government) and at all

public places. It should also be boldly displayed in our Parliament and all

state assemblies. It should be printed on the first page of our

constitution. This message should be printed on every currency note,

every passport every other ID and every text book. We should even

encourage people to stick this on their vehicles.

Our wise ancestors told us that God cannot be defined or

described in any way. The upanishads proclaim in unequivocal terms that

the eyes cannot see, ears cannot hear and the mind cannot comprehend

God. God is also described as that from which all beings emerge, in which

all beings exist and into which all beings finally merge.

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Without understanding this some overzealous people are telling others

that God should be called only by a particular name and should be adored

only in a particular manner. Such people are sowing seeds of division and

hatred. Some politicians are also following the divide and rule policy for

selfish gains. It is high time all right thinking people come together to

counter such narrow minded and selfish elements in our society.

Indian scriptures describe four methods to reach God-the path of

devotion or Bhakti yoga, the path of dedicated action or Karma yoga, the

path of intellectual inquiry or Jnana yoga and the path of scientific

meditation or Raja yoga. A person can choose any method depending on

his temperament and reach god. Just as a place can be approached from

different roads depending on ones location God can be reached by

different routes.

It is inconceivable that God who has created so many varieties of

plants, fish, birds etc. expects all his children to reach him only by one

road. There is a serious risk of traffic jam! There are different kinds of

sweets in the world. The sweetness is due to sugar but other ingredients

vary. God is like the sugar in the different sweets which are like different

forms of God. It is ridiculous to say that all people should eat only one

type of sweet.

Our ancestors have taught us that the whole world is one family.

We have always prayed for the well being of all the people in the world.

We have never prayed to God to bless only our country. The whole world

should learn this lesson from us.

The caste system has been misunderstood by many people. The

four castes mentioned- Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are

based on the qualities of the person and his occupation. The

Bhagavadgita does not speak of upper or lower caste. Just as in the

human body different organs perform different functions people of

different vocations are needed for any society. We cannot say those who

construct roads and bridges are not important. There is no country on

earth where you do not find people of these four categories.

It is said that by birth everyone is a Shudra and only by his qualities

he qualifies to be called Brahmin. No one can claim to be a Brahmin just

because he is born into a particular family. Nowhere is it said that God

loves people of any particular caste more than those of other castes. In

the Bhagavadgita it is clearly mentioned that God loves all equally.

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We should stop dividing people and fighting in the name of caste.

Everyone has social obligation. We should care for each other and share

our wealth with the less fortunate people. One of the mantras in the

Vedas expresses this sentiment beautifully- May All become Happy, May

All be Free from Illness, May All see what is Auspicious, May no one

Suffer. By bridging the gap between poor and rich we can to some extent

reduce crime rate.

There is a saying in Sanskrit-yatha raja thatha praja which means

as is the ruler so are the citizens. If we look at our leaders we can easily

understand why our country is in such a bad shape. Many people sitting in

the Parliament and state assemblies are facing serious criminal charges.

Many of them are misusing their power to escape the clutches of law.

They are manipulating the beaurocracy and the police to get away with

their crimes.

When those in power become corrupt those under them also tend to

be corrupt. The effect percolates down and the entire government

machinery gets ruined. Implementation of welfare schemes will be

seriously affected and people will suffer.

The subject of Raja-Dharma (duties of a ruler) is dealt with in detail

in ancient Indian texts including Ramayana and Mahabharata. The

qualities to be possessed by a ruler are explained. It is high time we have

a course for those aspiring to be MLAs and MPs so that they learn how to

conduct themselves.

But we take pride in being the largest democracy in the world. If we

keep on blaming our politicians for everything we do not deserve

democracy. Democracy is not for irresponsible citizens. Each and even

person who is eligible should go and cast his/her vote. But before voting

he/she should think not twice but several times before choosing a

candidate. Every voter should firmly resolve that he/she will not cast a

vote in favor of a candidate with criminal background.

It is our responsibility to elect people of honesty and integrity whose

track record is above board. If there is no such candidate in a

constituency all voters should refrain from voting. This is how we can

exercise our right to reject if there is no such provision. We should make

proper use of the constitutional and non-violent weapon in our hand

namely our vote. By just shouting Mera Neta chor Hi (my leader is a thief)

we are only insulting ourselves.

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It is highly desirable for eminent people from different walks of life to

form a forum of responsible citizens in every constituency. Ideally this

group should include retired judge, IPS and IAS officers, teachers and

other eminent people from different walks of life. These people should not

have any political affiliation. They should command the respect of most

people in the constituency. Their only aim should be national interest.

They should closely monitor what the elected person is doing for the

community..

They should invite the elected representatives at regular periods

and ask them what they have done for the constituency and what are

their plans for the future. People from that constituency should also

participate and interact. The media (both print and electronic) should

cover the event fully. If the performance of the elected representative is

not satisfactory people should reject him in the next election.

People should not believe those politicians who try to divide the

country on the basis of caste, religion and language. Unity and integrity of

the country should be uppermost in our minds.

Perhaps we also need some reforms in our electoral system. If a

candidate is declared elected without getting more than fifty percent of

the votes cast can he really be considered as a true representative of

those people? In the same way if any party comes to power by getting

less than fifty percent of all votes cast is it a truly representative

government? This issue needs to be discussed seriously.

In such a situation we may consider re-poll with only the parties

occupying the first two places being allowed to contest. We should also

think of putting in place stringent criteria for allowing a person to contest

an election. Quite often we come across a situation where a party with

three or four elected representatives holds the government to ransom

because the government does not have majority.

To sum up our country is in a mess because of not paying heed to

what our enlightened forefathers have told us. It can only be saved by

following the injunctions of our Rishis. In fact the whole world can only be

saved by ancient Indian wisdom, which is scientific, universal and always

relevant.

A revolution should start from every family. We cannot bring about

social transformation without transforming families which are the building

blocks of any society. We should take an oath to firmly adhere to the

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eternal values this country has stood by for millenniums- Truth, Righteous

conduct, Peace, Love and Non violence.

Our ancestors gave lot of importance to integrity of family. Marriage

as per the Indian tradition is an elaborate ritual unlike in many other

countries. During marriage the prospective couple takes oath to be loyal

to each other till the end. The word for wife is Dharma-Patni which means

she should take her husband along the path of Dharma.

Woman was given a very important place in ancient India. It is said

that where women are respected there God is happy. She is the backbone

of a family. Mother is hailed as the first teacher of a child.

If every woman strongly urges her husband to adhere to values we

can hope to create a healthy society. If instead most women expect their

husbands to earn money by hook or crook to satisfy their unending

desires society will be ruined.

Divorce was almost unheard of in ancient India. Divorce after

birth of a child can have serious adverse impact in the mental health of

child. Every child needs love and attention of parents who should take

primary responsibility for shaping the character of child. Those children

who do not receive sufficient parental attention are more likely to go

astray and be a nuisance to the society.

Our scriptures recommend five types of yagnas daily for the house

holders. These are Deva yagna, Pitru yagna, Brahma yagna, Manushya

yagna and Bhoota yagna. These can be performed by worship, reading

scriptures, looking after parents, serving other people in society and also

giving food to animals.

Premarital and extramarital sex was strongly discouraged in ancient

India. Today we often come across pregnancy in unmarried teenage girls.

This is highly undesirable as one should be physically and psychologically

mature to nurture a baby in the uterus and after birth. Without a

committed life partner looking after a baby will be extremely difficult.

When a person has extramarital affair his/her attention towards the

family will be compromised. Children will be the worst affected. Without

adequate parental care they are at risk of suffering from serious

psychological problems and becoming criminals.

Our ancestors knew the importance of maintaining the physical and

mental health of pregnant women in order to get healthy offspring.

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Pregnant women were told to spend some time everyday for spiritual

activities like reading scriptures, listening to devotional songs and

chanting the name of God. Some Vedic chants are specifically meant for

pregnant women. Now scientists agree that vibrations can affect the fetus

in the uterus. It is also accepted that psychological problems in the

pregnant woman affect the fetus through changes in the hormonal

system.

It is extremely important to bring up children properly so that they

become good human beings and responsible citizens. This is the only way

to create healthy society. In order to do this, children should be given

healthy food for their bodies and healthy food for their minds.

As far as possible children should be given food prepared at home.

Eating outside should be minimized. We should lean towards organic

farming to minimize the hazards of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It

is better to avoid artificial flavors and food preservatives as far as

possible as these have been shown to cause behavioral disorders in

children. While preparing food Vedic chants or devotional songs should be

played as vibrations affect the food. Those who prepare food may also

chant the name of God.

Parents should constantly endeavor to create good atmosphere at

home. Frequent quarreling among parents can have adverse impact on

the delicate minds of children. Those children brought up with love and

understanding are less likely to go astray.

It is very important for parents to spend enough time for instilling

values in the minds of children. Children are very receptive to what they

are told and parents should drive home faith in God and fear of sin in

their minds with the help of stories. Parents should teach their children

that there is only one God and he can be called by many names. They

should be told about the cosmic law of cause and effect and made to

understand that they will reap the consequences of their acts.

What children see and hear constitutes food for the mind. Children

should not be allowed to see violent movies or play games with violent

themes. It is highly desirable to encourage children to learn our music-

either vocal or instrumental. Constant exposure to good vibrations like

Vedic chants and our classical music can have a positive impact on the

personality of children. On the other hand constant exposure to bad

vibrations like rock music can lead to criminal tendencies.

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It was considered as the duty of children to look after aged

parents. Parents take so much of trouble for bringing up their often

sacrificing their personal comfort. Children have an obligation to look after

their parents in their old age. Today most children do not care for their

aged parents and hence the number of old age homes is increasing.

Our educational system also has to change. We should give

sufficient importance to value based education. Spirituality should be

taught in all schools. For young children it is enough to tell them that

there is a power behind all creation.

Faith in God should be instilled in the minds of young children.

Using simple examples we can make them understand that such a

magnificent universe cannot come into existence without an intelligent

force. We can show them a flower made of paper and explain that just as

the artificial flower was made by a human being the natural flowers have

to be made by an intelligent being.

We can also show them how a robot works and tell them that the

human body is far more complicated than a robot and cannot simply

come into existence without a guiding power.

Children should be told that we all reap what we sow and hence we

should perform only good deeds. They should be taught that God is in

every being and that if we hurt any being we are actually hurting God.

Children usually ask why we cannot see God or hear his voice. We

can explain that our senses have many limitations and that we cannot

deny the existence of something just because our senses cannot perceive

it. For example we can say that dogs can smell what we cannot and bats

can hear what we cannot.

It should be clearly explained that God can be called by many

names and worshipped in various ways. We should tell them that God is

aware of all our thoughts, words and actions. We should make them

understand that the only way to please God is to love all beings. We

should not allow religious intolerance to take roots in the minds of

children.

College students can be taught about the scientific evidence for the

existence of soul. It is extremely important to introduce scientific

spirituality in all medical colleges. Doctors should first understand what

man is before they can treat people properly. We should try to get the

definition of health by the World Health Organization reviewed to include

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the spiritual dimension. If the authorities do not oblige we should reject

the WHO definition of health and adopt our own definition.

Doctors can play an important role in educating people about

healthy life style. The focus should be on all dimensions of health

physical, mental and spiritual. Mental health cannot be protected without

giving sufficient attention to spiritual development.

Some basic information about the great heritage of this country

should be taught in schools and colleges. Autobiography of a yogi by

Paramahansa Yogananda is a very interesting and highly inspiring book

which can be introduced at the level of college. This book has become a

standard reference book in several universities in other countries. In the

year 1999 a panel of distinguished scholars selected this book as one of

the 100 best spiritual books of the century.

After completing their education the students in ancient India were

told- Satyam Vada dharmam chara (speak truth, practice dharma). They

were also exhorted to revere the mother as God, father as God, teacher

as God and guest as God. Imagine what would happen if all of us followed

these injunctions.

All of us are responsible for the current state of our country. We

should stop being a country of buck passers. Every person should take up

some responsibility not only for his/her family but also for his society. We

should place national interest above everything else. We should become

responsible parents, responsible teachers, responsible voters, responsible

citizens and responsible professionals. Then we can hope to have

responsible politicians. It is futile to simply go on blaming politicians for

all the ills of our country.

Bharat mata is wailing out of anguish. It is the duty of all her

children to educate and enlighten themselves with her ancient and

timeless wisdom and be worthy citizens of this worthy nation. Thus we

can wipe her tears and bring back the smile on her face. One who knows

absolutely nothing about the great heritage of this country is unfit to be

called a citizen of this country.

It has been scientifically proved that vibration can affect matter and

living beings. Good vibrations have beneficial effects and bad or negative

vibrations have undesirable effects. Constant exposure to negative

vibrations can have disastrous consequences on the human mind.

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Hence we should constantly strive to get rid of all negative vibrations

and replace those with positive vibrations. Vedic chants have been shown

to produce calming effects on the minds. It has been demonstrated that

performance of Yagas leads to reduction in bacterial counts in the

atmosphere and also accelerate plant growth.

We need not be surprised if scientists discover that regular

performance of these Yagas reduce natural calamities, ensure timely rains

and good crops. Perhaps that is why ancient India was so prosperous

before the civilized people (?) from the more developed (?) countries

came here and tried their best to completely destroy everything that is

Indian.

But the great heritage of this country can never be destroyed. This

country will rise like a phoenix from the ashes and take its rightful place

as the moral and spiritual leader of the whole world. Its wisdom will

radiate to every nook and corner of the world bringing light, peace and

hope for humanity. It will lead the rest of the word from untruth to truth,

darkness of ignorance to light of wisdom and from mortality of body

consciousness to the immortality of soul consciousness.

Let Vedic chants reverberate throughout the length and breadth of

the country. Let the sweet tunes of our music sweep across the entire

country. Let the hearts of all Indians overflow with love for their country.

Let us all come together and rebuild this great nation.

We should be very conscious about our role towards the

environment. Apart from keeping our own houses clean we should keep

our towns and cities clean. We should cooperate with the authorities and

avoid indiscriminate littering and spitting. Many diseases are due to poor

environmental sanitation. Development should not be at the cost of

environment.

We should develop good systems in all sectors. Everyone should

follow the system instead of trying to bend the system to suit his personal

interest. No one should think of exploiting the system. We should learn to

be disciplined and punctual.

Our puranas contain stories with moral lessons. They instill love for

God and fear of sin. The most important message of the puranas is help

ever and hurt never. Till recently mothers used to read such stories to

children to convince them regarding the need for leading lives based on

values. Todays children read useless comics and watch useless cartoons.

This is one of the reasons for our downfall.

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Our Ithihasas (historical texts) contain several pearls of wisdom. The

information in these texts (Ramayana and Mahabharatha) covers a wide

range of topics including state administration, guidelines for people of

different professions, code of conduct for members of family etc. Regular

discourses on these epics should be conducted in every place.

Subhashitas are collections of Sanskrit verses covering a wide range

of topics and are a goldmine of useful information. The wisdom in these

verses is priceless. Using simple examples they drive home important

lessons.