Friday, January 30, 2009

Going Global

Going global in its literal sense is described as a process by which people of the world are unified into a single society and function together. Well, if that is going global then the first thought that comes to me is that of a Kumbha Mela…why a kumbha Mela? From a common man’s point of view it seems to be something totally illogical. But if we see from a broader perspective, a Kumbha Mela is a Spiritual Expo. Over the centuries, thousands of sages who have meditated, done penance and been enlightened come to the "Kumbha Mela" and relieve themselves of the burden of the merits gained through Sadhana by bathing in the rivers. Water has the quality to absorb the energy that they radiate. The seekers, who come from all corners to be in the company of the seers and saints, gain that merit when they take a dip in the rivers.
Isn’t this a perfect example of Globalization!!!



As Guruji says, Globalization is not a new concept because long before we even thought of globalization, religion and spirituality has already done it.
In the modern context globalization should not be only of chips and coca cola but of wisdom.
Today the world is in the grip of terrorism, which is striking everywhere in the name of God and India has the solution for this. As the French Journalist and writer François Gautier aptly puts in one of his articles-
Beyond the poverty, beyond the immense problems that India has encountered since independence, there is a knowledge here that has been lost to the rest of the world, a knowledge so precious that it makes India unique. India holds the key to the world's future. For India is the only nation which still preserves in the darkness of Her Himalayan caves, on the luminous ghats of Benares, in the hearts of her countless yogis, or even in the minds of her ordinary folk, the key to the planetary evolution, its future and its hope.

It is required to reread history, and look at India not through the western prism, but with the ancient wisdom that she has bestowed upon us. Be it the Bhagwad Geeta, the Vedas, the Puranas, everything is perfect and flawless. These have come from the perfected being in a state of total bliss, love and contentment.

Love
Preeti



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Alexander and Porus

Once we had a session in the Ashram with Swami Pragyapad and of the many interesting facts we learned, one was about the story of Alexander and Porus. .

We are taught in our school history books that Alexander when he invaded India in 326 BCE defeated Porus

The defeated Porus was brought in front of Alexander, when Alexander asked Porus as to how he would like to be treated, Porus responded that he would like to be treated as a king. Alexander pleased with the brave words of the valiant Porus gave back Porus his kingdom and Alexander returned homewards to Babylonia, leaving behind his General Selucus Nikator on friendly terms with Porus.

However, the truth is totally opposite. Around 200 years back, before the British rule, everybody knew that Alexander was defeated by Porus and not the other way round. Our history also states that this turnaround by Alexander was because his army was tired, home sick, depressed and wanted to go back home.

Well a victorius army cannot be depressed!!!

Did we learn a distorted history???

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Lord Macaulay's address to the British Parliament


LORD MACAULAY’S ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, 2 FEBRUARY, 1835
I have travelled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such calibre, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Republic day

I was just wondering how things have changed with time. Have celebrated so many republic days, from school to college to celebrations at Gayatrinagar (Nagpur, my home town). The innocent childhood days, with the national flag in hand, waving gracefully and glorifying "zenda uucha rahe hamara" with the sense of valor and a commitment to serve. Well, it's a realization that one can only serve, when he/she is happy. The success in life is measured by the smile we have on our face.

So, decide to be happy and celebrate life....

Vande Mataram

Love
Preeti