Elephant in the Mirror

Many methods and techniques are used by Teachers and Trainers all over the world to impart knowledge and skills to their pupils, especially when conveying complex and abstract concepts. The more popular as well as effective among such tools are the methods known as "Known to Unknown" and "Simple to Complex". In "known to unknown" method, the teacher or trainer starts with some concept or subject that is already known to the student or the trainee. He then develops on it and links the same to a new and more difficult concept to enable the wards to understand the unknown. In "simple to complex" method, the principle or application is started from a simpler idea and then slowly develop the wider and more complex principles or applications. Modren teaching and training methods place a lot of emphasis on using these techniques to ensure faster learning and lasting effects on the students. It is interesting to note that these methods are in use for several centuries and have wide usage and acceptance all over the world. These methods are also in use in explaining the abstract theorems, axioms and assumptions. We can find many such examples in spiritual as well as cultural writings and literature.

*****  

One of the most important theorems of Vedic knowledge and understanding is the concept of "Parabrahma", the supreme Lord. His presence is learnt through his infinite qualities. One such quality is all-pervasiveness. The supreme Lord is believed to be present everywhere; he has occupied all the space that is known as well as beyond that. He can be present everywhere at the same time. He can be bigger than any big thing and smaller than the smallest thing that one can see, imagine or perceive. "Narayana Suktam" which is a part of Yajurveda and believed to be a appendix to "Purusha Suktam" explains this concept beautifully. Narayana Suktam is generally recited at the end of all religious procedures and offered to the supreme Lord as "Mantrapushpam", offering of flowers in the form of words. This concept of all-pervasive and omni-present Parabrahma and his infinite capacity to occupy the biggest as well as the smallest available space is one of the basic tenets of Vedic beliefs.

While it is easy to say that Parabrahma can be bigger than the biggest as well as smaller than the smallest, it is difficult to comprehend the same for many. This is explained by means of many examples. 

*****

Saint Purundara Dasa (1484-1564) who lived during the finest period of Vijayanagara empire in South India was a contemporary of Sage Vyasateertha and King Krishnadevaraya. He is hailed as the Pitamaha (Great-grandfather) of Karnaatic school of music. Legend has it that he has composed 4,75,000 poems (Devaranamas) in the praise of Lord, though only a few thousands are available now. His Devaranamas are in simple Kannada language and yet have succeeded in bringing the essence of Vedic and spiritual knowledge to the common man. Ugabhoga and Suladi are among many forms of compositions made by him and later followed by others in his path. 

In one of his Ugabhogas, he explains the concept of the Lord occupying the smallest place when he is bigger than the biggest known entity and extending beyond that. It is in Kannada and reads as under:

ಜಗವ ಸುತ್ತಿಹುದೆಲ್ಲ ನಿನ್ನ ಮಾಯವಯ್ಯ, 
ನಿನ್ನ ಸುತ್ತಿಹುದೆಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನ ಮನವಯ್ಯ ।

ಜಗಕೆ ಬಲ್ಲಿದ ನೀನು, ನಿನಗೆ ಬಲ್ಲಿದ ನಾನು, 
ಮೂರು ಜಗವು ನಿನ್ನೊಳಗೆ, ನೀನು ಎನ್ನೊಳಗೆ ।

ಕರಿಯು ಕನ್ನಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿಪ್ಪ ತೆರನಂದಿ ಎನ್ನೊಳಗೆ ನೀನು ಅಡಗಿದೆಯೋ।
ಸಿರಿ ಪುರಂದರ ವಿಠಲ ।।

The summary of the above Ugabhoga is something like this - "The entire Universe is engulfed by your charm, but my mind is wrapped around your entire presence! You are a big presence for others due to your all pervasiveness; but I am bigger than you since I hold you in me! Just as an Elephant is captured in a small mirror held in its presence, you are present in me! (Elephant is very big but its image can be held even in a small mirror kept before it.) Purandara Vittala, The supreme Lord!

This is the submission of a pious devotee of The Lord. It is not an arrogant statement, but a humble submission. The devotee is bigger than the Lord only because he is holding the biggest possible entity (The Lord) inside him just like the image of a huge elephant in a small mirror.

This is a fine example of "Known to Unknown". In the following devaranama titled "Pillangoviaya chelva Krishnana elli noodidiri?" (Where did you see the flute playing Krishna?), Purandara Dasa expands this theorem by using the "Simple to Complex" method. The follower or devotee is thrilled by the understanding of one of the fundamental tents of the Vedic knowledge. Whether one believes in it or not, the principle and the method of its communication is indeed magnificent.   

*****

The Ugabhoga and Devaranama mentioned above are sung by many and recordings are available on "Youtube". The one sung by Sri Vidyabushana is very popular. You may click on the video below and listen to the same. 

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Karna had a single goal in life; defeating Arjuna in a final war. His entire life revolved on this one target. All other issues in life paled into insignificance before this one ambition. He even chose to join the camp of Duryodhana with the hope that it will pave the way for the final showdown with Arjuna. He went to Parushurama, satisfied the Guru with his sincerity and learnt all the inner secrets of Archery so that he could match Arjuna arrow for arrow and weapon for weapon. He prepared for years to come out successful on that one day which truly mattered. All other happening and innumerable insults that came his way were brushed aside so that the ultimate goal is not sacrificed. He did not budge from his target even when first Krishna and then his mother Kunti revealed his birth's secret to divert his attention. He readily decided to spare the other four brothers, but not Arjuna.

The day finally arrived in the blood-drenched Kurukshetra. Karna was now standing before his target. Unfortunately, he had amassed a wealth of curses from different sources. They all took effect at the most inappropriate time. His hymns to call the weapons and astras when most wanted faded from his memory. All misfortunes smiled on him together. The curses reduced his efficiency. Inability to recall his war winning skills made him a lame duck. Having lost the cutting edge of efficiency in the war, he lost his effectiveness in pursuing his only goal. Efficiency deserted and effectiveness extinguished, he became the greatest symbol of tragic heroism instead of becoming a great victor.

*****  

Internet and Mobile banking have become major tools for a comfortable modren living. We have reached a stage where life can go on without breathing, but not so without net connectivity. We can live without food in the mouth or stomach, but not mobile in the hand. Fish out of water may as well be substituted with "Man or woman without mobile". If the websites of the banks fail when you need the most, it is the final trouble. Karna unwittingly amassed a combination of curses. We have ourselves voluntarily and painstakingly mobilized these gadgets and tools to make us highly efficient and effective. Collective maturing of the curses robbing him of efficiency and rendering him ineffective happened to Karna only once. Of course, there could not have been a second time for him. For the modren man, these happen more often. It is not one final blow, but repeating blows and often with repeating regularity. There could be more pain in future as more and more gadgets are being added with each day.

Decisions are postponed till the last day as they can be implemented whenever one desires. But when it is to be implemented, net connectivity fails. Most have already experienced this trouble and hence have a second arrow in their quiver. But the second source of connectivity also fails when needed most! If connectivity is restored, then the bank website becomes elusive. It is either unavailable or even if available, it is under routine or special updating or upgrading. The website dutifully informs that it is being upgraded only for your convenience! Some websites are considerate and advise the clients beforehand about the dates and time of outage. Some others are not able to advise because they themselves do not know about the date and time of outage. The client is not even in a position to go to the bank personally and get the job done because it is the second or fourth saturday. 

There are banks which send you a new credit card or debit card one month before the previous one expires. There are others who send you one a month after the previous one expires and you make a request followed by reminders. There are organizations that remind a payment due two or three days before the due date for payment, only if the payment is not made till the date of reminder. There are others (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board is a wonderful example) which remind you even if the payment is made on the date of the bill itself. They are of course very considerate. They give you the option of ignoring the reminder if payment is already made. That payment is already made is known to them does not really matter. They cannot help if their software is unable to make the distinction between those who paid up and those who have not yet paid.

Karna was lucky. Despite all his misfortunes, he indeed knew he was an unfortunate person. He knew the curses and he also knew that they would mature one day. Modren man is not so lucky.

*****

What is Efficiency? It is defined in many ways. It is defined as the ability to accomplish something with least waste of time and effort. It is also defined as competency in performance. It is also said as accomplishing a job with minimum expenditure of money and time. In case of machines or engines, it is the ratio of work done or energy developed by it to the energy supplied to it, usually as a percentage of the output to input. Some twenty years ago, a study in fertilizer industry showed that almost all fertilizer company plants had performed at more than 115 to 120% of their capacity! Everyone appreciated their efforts until someone pointed out that it was not possible at all. The truth was that the rated capacity of the plants were much below their actual capacities!

The best possible definition for "Efficiency and Effectiveness" is perhaps given by Peter F Drucker, the Management Guru. "Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things", he says. Merely being efficient is not enough. One has to be effective as well. Being efficient as well as effective is a true indication of quality in any walk of life.     

Six benefits from Literature

What is Literature? Why does anyone write something? Why do others read it? What is the definition of Literature? What are the uses of Literature? These are some of the questions that are relevant for all times. It is worthwhile to spend some time on discussing these issues.

The word "Literature" is understood by all, but to give a universally acceptable definition of the word is indeed difficult. Literature is defined in many different ways. Literature is a term used to describe written or spoken material. It describes anything from creative writing to more technical and scientific works as well. It is most commonly used to refer to works of creative imagination including works of poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction. Literature represents language or people or culture and tradition. It is universal and often beautiful and provides the readers with wonderful experiences while reading and understanding it. In the Indian context, the word often used for Literature is "Kavya", which includes stage plays (Drushya kavya) also. It has evolved over the years, starting from rock cut paintings and palm leaf preservations to modren day printing and literature on the web. 

The following definition appears to be the closest to what many consider as a good definition of "Literature":

"Literature is a documentation of life seen, known and recorded in an artistic way. It opens new horizons of imagination that leads to an entirely new world. It is also a written evidence of human achievements and failures".

What are the benefits that can derived from literature? Answering this important question has been attempted for generations all over the world. Aristotle's "Poetics" is as old as 4th century BC. "Natya Shastra" of Bharatamuni is also of around the same time. Subsequent Indian scholars have dealt on the benefits of Literature or Poetry extensively. Unfortunately, many of them are lost and not available now. The discussions of the earlier scholars appears to have taken a solid form around 10th or 11th century AD. "Kavya Prakasha" of a scholar poet by name Mammata deals with many aspects of Poetics including the benefits from Literature. Mammata was the maternal uncle of SriHarsha, whose "Naishadeeya Charitam" is reckoned as one of the five great works in Sanskrit literature.

Mammata has enumerated six direct benefits from Literature. First of them is earning name and fame. Second is for earning money and material rewards. Third benefit is to understand the world and dealing with its ways (Vyavahara Jnana). Fourth benefit is to escape from evil effects of life, by application of knowledge gained from Literature. Fifth is to obtain immediate pleasure from reading or contemplating on it. Sixth is to receive suitable advice which is similar to the one given by a loving wife.

Are these the true benefits? They really are, but the benefits may accrue to the writer or reader or both. The first benefit of earning name and fame directly belongs to the writer. Many well known and respected names in the literary world today bear testimony to this. Generations after generations have read and enjoyed the epics in many languages and their times are entirely immaterial. Many readers have also become scholars and earned their names by following the earlier writers. Many poets lived a good life due to the support they received from Kings and landlords of their times confirming the second benefit of monetary earnings. Selling copyright of yet to be written novels in the present times also indicates this. The third benefit of using the knowledge from literature for managing one's affairs from time to time is experienced by all of us.  There are many examples of escaping from evil in our lives by bringing in earlier learning from reading literature, thus reinforcing the fourth benefit.  One of the most important benefit from reading literature is obtaining immediate enjoyment or pleasure of "Rasaanubhava", which is the fifth benefit.  

The sixth benefit relates to receiving advice from literature. Mammata has mentioned that the type of advice one perceives from literature is similar to the one received from a loving wife or spouse. There are three types of advices one can receive. They are defined as Prabhusammita, Mitrasammita and Kantaasammita. Prabhusammita is the type of advice that is received from someone in authority, like a King or higher authority in an establishment. This is an advice that must be followed and there is no escape from it. Failure to do follow it results in severe punishment. Mitrasammita is the type of advice received from a good friend. it is much more acceptable to one's mind but it is still received from an external source. Kantaasammita is the advice received from a loving wife and hence the receiver does not even feel he is receiving an advice!  It is close to receiving advice from oneself and thus becomes much more acceptable to follow. The biggest advantage of literature is in generating such type of advice from within oneself. 

Mammata's summary of the six benefits of literature enumerated in his "Kavya Prakasha" is as under:

काव्यं यशसे अर्थकृते व्यवहारविदे शिवेतर क्षतये |
सद्यः परनिवृतये कान्तासंमिततया उपदेशयुजे ||

Kavyam Yashase Arthakrute Vyavaharavide shivetara kshataye,
Sadyah paranivrutaye kantaasammitataya upadeshayuje. 

*****

Prof T N Srikantaiah (Ti Nam Sri) is a highly revered and big name in Kannada Literature circles. The South End Circle near Jayanagar, Bengaluru is named after him, though people still refer to it as South End Circle. The circle has also disappeared now as the metro line passes over the area. He was a scholar par excellence and did yeoman service to students of Literature. He is credited with suggesting the word "Rashtrapati" as equivalent of the "President of India" which was accepted unanimously and is used now. 

His celebrated work "Bharatiya Kavya Meemamse" is a trend setter in study of Poetics and Aesthetics in Literature. A study of this book brings out many valuable insights into Literature and its role in human life, including the above benefits from literature.   

Not this curse please, please

A new auditorium, named as "Kalamandira", was constructed in the city of Mysuru nearly four decades ago. A magnificent structure on a prominent location in the city was due for inauguration. A series of befitting functions were arranged to open the auditorium for public use and as a center for music concerts, dance performances, stage plays and important functions. The organizers deemed it fit to arrange a "Shehnai" concert by Ustad Bismillah Khan as one of the events. Shehnai has been associated as a "Mangala Vadya" since a long time and hence it was indeed appropriate. Mysuru and Ustad Bismillah Khan shared pleasant memories of the past as well. During the times of the Late Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the Ustad had given a concert in the royal palace which is still remembered for its divinity. The maharaja had presented a special "TopI" (cap) to the Ustad in appreciation of the divinity of the concert. The Ustad had kept this topi as a prized possession and used to wear it on important occasions. He was naturally delighted to be invited for the inaugural concert at Mysuru. 

Ustad Bismillah Khan came from a family of Shehnai masters from Bhojpur in north Bihar. He enhanced the popularity of the wind instrument even further and came to be identified with the instrument in total. He regularly played on the instrument at the Kashi Viswanath Temple. There was special place for his concerts in All India Radio and Doordarshan on Republic day and Independence day. A Kannada film by name "Sanadi Appanna" (1977) was released a few months before the inauguration of Kalamandira. Sanadi is the Kannada name for the Shehnai. The role of Appanna in the film was played by the popular Kannada film actor Dr Rajkumar. The film became a runaway hit due to the twin factors; Dr Rajkumar's acting and the shehnai score by Ustad Bismillah Khan. Dr Rajkumar is reported to have said that the true hero of the movie was Khan Sahib himself. The Ustad also is said to have often quoted of a lunch he had with Dr Rajkumar during the filming of the movie. The respect between the two was mutual and spontaneous.

The auditorium was filled to capacity on the day of the concert. People were sitting on every available space and even on the steps. As the Ustad began his concert and reached the crescendo of the first piece of the concert, some in the audience who had occupied the front seats started throwing coins on the stage and around the artistes. They did it to show their appreciation, but the damage was done. The Ustad was disturbed from his deep involvement and concentration level. He abruptly stopped playing the instrument and kept it aside. Everything came to a standstill and it took a few minutes for many in the audience to understand as to what had happened.

The Ustad spoke softly but firmly. He admonished those who threw the coins at him and other artistes on the stage. He said that artistes perform in a place like Mysuru not for money or material rewards. What the artistes look for is the affection and appreciation of their efforts by connoisseurs of arts and music. He chided the miscreants and advised them to leave him and the art lovers to enjoy the bliss of shehnai and music. The elderly among the audience had now taken charge and cleared the miscreants from the auditorium. They apologized to the Ustad who readily resumed his concert. The resumed concert went into extra time and those present at the event still remember the quality of that concert.

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a rare artiste who was awarded all the high civilian awards, the "Padmashri", "Padma Bushana" and "Padma Vibhushana", one after the other. He was also awarded the highest civilian award of "Bharata Ratna" in 2001. He lived a full life of 90 years and played the instrument till his last days in the year 2006.

*****

Situations like this crop up now and then in our lives. Performing before people who do not understand the subtlety and do not have the refined maturity level is one of the biggest pains for performers. Teachers are also confronted with such situations often in their classes; a few disinterested students disturb the decorum of the classes to the detriment of the interested majority students. Despite such disturbances one has to carry on with his sacred duties by dealing with the miscreants firmly.

*****

A subhashita from "Samayochita Padyamalika" aptly sums up such situations. A poet stands before Lord Brahma, who is credited with the writings on one's forehead about the punishments he has to face during his lifetime. The poet begs thus:

इतर पाप फलानि यथेच्छ्या शिरसि लिखे सहे चतुरानन |

अरसिकेषु कवित्व निवेदनम् शिरसि मा लिख मा लिख मा लिख ||

"My dear Lord Brahma, Please write all other punishments for any sins on my forehead to your full contentment. I have no objections or complaints about them. But please spare me from one greatest punishment - the one of reciting my poems before those who are incapable of understanding their content and finer points.  Do not punish me with this please, please, please!"  

Bramharshi Dadheechi and Harish Nanjappa

Bramharshi Dadheechi was sitting in penance for a very long time. It was not a penance for atoning any sin he had voluntarily or involuntarily made. It was indeed a self-imposed penance, a tapas for the welfare of mankind. It was not a tapas like the ones usually indulged by devotees of the Lord seeking something for themselves; it was a rigorous tapas without any wants or needs for oneself. The only cause for the tapas was a desire to do something for the welfare of all. In short, for "Lokakalyana", universal welfare.

Bramharshi Dadheechi suddenly realized that a delegation of the Devas led by their leader Devendra was standing before him. He broke his tapas and opened his eyes. Devendra and the key members of his cabinet were standing before with folded hands. Devaguru Bruhaspati was also present with them. What is the purpose of this delegation coming here and standing before me, wondered Dadheechi. Instead of asking them, he used his own mystic powers to understand the purpose of their visit. The various developments that had taken place during the period he was in tapas unfolded before him........

*****

Devendra was presiding over the "Devasabha" and accepting the respects of all the members present in the court. Devaguru Bruhaspati was the lone absentee in the court. Devendra felt his absence and became a little upset that his Guru was not present in the court. A delegation of Rishis arrived to see Devendra. As Guru was not present in the court, alternate arrangements were made to receive the delegation. The Rishis had come with a question that could be answered only by Devendra. Devendra accepted their request and assumed the stance to answer the question. Just then Bruhaspati entered the court with a greeting to Devendra. Bruhaspati felt that Devendra was ignoring him while Devendra was preoccupied in answering the question of the Rishis. Bruhaspati disappeared from the court and went away elsewhere.

Devendra later realized that Bruhaspati was not available to him for consultations and advice on day to day affairs. He could not keep the post vacant indefinitely. His efforts to trace the Guru went futile. On the advice of Brahma, he appointed Vishwaroopacharya in Bruhaspati's place. Things were fine for sometime. In due course of time, Bruhaspati wanted to return to his original place as well as Devendra desired to bring him back. After all, appointment of Vishwaroopacharya was only a stop gap arrangement. Vishwaroopacharya's mother belonged to the Demon's group. Hence the representatives of the demons were permitted to freely come and visit Vishwaroopa. This was not to Devendra's liking. Devendra requested Vishwaroopa to stop this practice but he did not agree. An argument ensued and Devendra killed Vishwaroopa.

Vishwaroopa's father Thwashtru Brahma was enraged at his son's killing by Devendra. He used his mystic powers and created a Demon "Vrutrasura". Vrutrasura conquered Devendra's place and captured him. Devendra managed to convince Vrutrasura to occupy Indra's throne and keep him as his friend. Vrutrasura accepted the offer. After a considerable period of time, Devendra and his team felt that the time is ripe to kill Vrutrasura and recapture their rightful places. There was one problem. Devendra does not have a weapon strong enough to kill Vrutrasura. The delegation before Dadheechi is for the purpose of acquiring such a weapon.......   

*****

Dadheechi smiled and asked Devendra what was the purpose of the visit. Devendra hesitatingly replied. "Bramharshi, You can only save us in the present situation. We have no weapon strong enough to kill Vrutrasura. Long periods of tapas has converted your bones into Vajra and they have become diamond-like. If you permit us to take your backbone, we can create "Vajraayudha" from it that can be used to finish Vrutrasura and enable us to get back our kingdom. We seek this favor from you". Dadheechi understood the import of the request. It meant that he had to embrace his death and surrender his body. He can no longer live and donate his body. A weapon will be created from his organ that can be used to kill the demon and help the devas.

"Do you want the backbone after my death or when I am alive?" asked the Rishi. "There is no use of the bone after your death Sir. It will become useless after your death. We need it when you are alive. You can release your soul from the body after we take the backbone", said Devendra. Dadheechi agreed and held his prana till the needful was done. He donated his backbone when he was alive. He is no more but his ultimate sacrifice of donating the organ of his body when still alive is remembered for ever. He is remembered with utmost reverence even today.  

*****

Harish Nanjappa was a 23 year old young marketing executive with many dreams about his future. His family had high hopes on the boy and looked forward to exciting times about him. He was going on his new Bajaj Pulsar on Bangalore-Tumkur Road on 16th February 2016. A sugar bags laden heavy truck overtook him and touched Harish while doing so. Harish was thrown below the tires of the truck. The tires ran over the middle of his body and it was cut into two pieces. The legs were thrown to a distance of a few feet from the head and torso. It was a ghastly sight and people feared to go near him. Many used their mobile phones to capture the video of his plight. Surprisingly, he was still alive despite his body being subjected to such unbearable pain and suffering. 

What Harish did in such a situation is beyond comprehension of ordinary mortals. Instead of crying over his plight, he begged the passersby to take him to the hospital. He knew that he would not survive, but his plea was for donating his organs to someone in need of it. He knew that he was finished but wanted to make good use of his body parts. The awareness he showed and the presence of mind baffled even the most experienced doctors. He died within few minutes after arrival at the hospital. But his wish was indeed fulfilled. His eyes were donated to an eye hospital. 

***** 

Bramharshi Dadheechi had renounced everything and his life was dedicated for welfare of others. Harish was a very young boy with dreams of a bright future. Dadheechi died to donate organs of his body. Harish had the presence of mind to donate his body parts when confronted with death in a most ghastly and tragic accident. 

It is very painful to write the concluding lines of this post. In fact, there is no need to conclude it. It is probably understood by anybody who reads this.....

He shall carry his own burden

Ramu and Krishna were more friends than cousins. Born as the sons of the two brothers in the same year, they were naturally together most of the times. They lived in the small beautiful town, situate on the banks of the river with fine and clear water flow, with the old dilapidated fort in the background. They went to school together, playing all the way through the mile long distance. Evenings were again spent together playing in the river bed and the trees lined on either banks of the river. What started in the morning walk to the school continued till evening when both were constrained to go to their respective houses, separated by a street.

Those were the days when there was no concept of pre-school education and private schools charging hefty donations. The faithful government schools were the only ones available, except in big cities that had some private schools. A child admitted to the first standard would go on till middle school or high school, depending on his family's value for education. There was a nominal fee to be paid each year and many households found it difficult to pay even that. There used to be only one book for study each year till fourth standard. The only subject to be studied till then was one's mother tongue. Note books were not used till middle school. Slates and chalk was the source for writing practice.

There were no note books but there was homework. The extent of homework was confined to the area on both sides of the slate. Writing down on both sides of the slate was not a big order, but keeping the writing safe till it was shown to the teacher was indeed tough. The regular homework occupied sometime for the students as the writing had to be legible and neat. There could be a beating on the knuckles from the wooden frame of the slate, if the writing was not neat. Of course, no parent would fight the teacher for such blows on their wards. Students generally used the clay slate, though tin slates were available. Tin slates were unbreakable and light, but clay slates were good for writing with chalk pieces.

Krishna had the practice of finishing the homework on the way back from the school. He would take a look on the road ahead and write a word on the slate before taking another look. Thus his homework would be finished by the time he reached home. Ramu was not used to this practice and did his homework only after reaching home, but before proceeding to the evening play on the banks of the river. On a particular day when Krishna called out to Ramu for the evening play, Ramu had not yet finished his homework and needed time to finish it. Krishna became impatient, snatched Ramu's slate and finished the homework and urged Ramu to accompany him for the evening outing. Ramu followed him and they had a good evening games round. They returned after sunset.

Ramu's father had students coming to his house in the evening for tuitions. When Ramu entered the house, all the students were already sitting with their books and slates. Ramu hurriedly joined them and sat down. Krishna was curious to know the reaction of his uncle when he saw Ramu's slate. He stayed near the door expectantly. His uncle checked all the slates and asked for Ramu's now. Ramu was hesitant to show. "Where is your slate, Ramu", his father asked for the second time. Ramu did not respond. His father raised his hand and immediately Ramu handed over the slate. His father recognized that the handwriting was not that of Ramu. "Who wrote this?", his father asked in a stern voice. Ramu looked at the door. His father saw Krishna standing there and beckoned him to come inside the house. Krishna was afraid, but followed instructions.

"Did you write in Ramu's slate?", his father asked. Krishna acknowledged by the shake of the head. A blow landed on his back before anyone realized what was happening. Krishna and Ramu were both in tears. Ramu's mother intervened before another blow could land on Krishna. Both Ramu and Krishna were taken into the kitchen by her. Tuition for others continued and concluded shortly.

"You have beaten Krishna today. His father has never beaten him in his life. If he comes to know of this, he will come to beat you", Ramu's mother told her husband. He had cooled down by this time. He called Krishna and Ramu to sit near him. "Why did you write in Ramu's slate?" asked Ramu's father. "I wanted to help him finish his homework fast", answered Krishna. "Do you think what you did is right?", the uncle asked Krishna. Krishna was in no position to reply. "What is the result of your action, do you understand? You have done your lessons twice whereas Ramu has not done it even once. You may get an extra mark in the examination, but Ramu could fail", he said. 

"What you did is not help. Instead of helping, it will put Ramu into more difficulty. He becomes lazy. Your idea of help is all wrong. You are welcome to help anyone. But help in studies does not mean doing their studies. Helping should be by way of making them do their studies on their own, but not doing their work. Each one should do his own studies, reading and writing. Each one should carry his own burden in life. There are no short cuts. You cannot walk someone's distance. You are too young to understand now, but both of you should remember this. This will help you in your future life", his uncle concluded. Ramu's mother had some sweets ready by this time. The blow Krishna received was somewhat softened now.

Krishna went home but never mentioned this to his parents. He was not prepared for receiving another blow from his father or watch a fight between his father and uncle. Decades later, he still remembers the lesson. Each one shall carry his own burden. There are no short cuts in life.

*****

There are many complaints about malpractices in various examinations. Many students believe that they are helping their fellow students when they allow them to copy from their answer books in the examination hall. They think that suggesting answers by gestures and symbols is a form of help extended to their friends. They believe it is a form of help when they log in proxy for their classmates using their user-ID and Passwords for doing their assignments. 

The lesson given by Ramu's father to young Krishna is even more relevant today. Each one should carry his own burden. There are no short cuts in life. Such help does more harm indeed. Yes, we should remember that "He shall carry his own burden".

Three Crops and Three Arrows

A farmer is continuously engaged in raising crops in his fields. He has raised many crops in the past. He has planted a crop in his fields right now. He is also planning to sow crops in the future. Therefore, at any point in time, he has yields of three types of crops. Those already harvested, that which is ready for harvesting and those that are to be planted and harvested in the coming days.

What is the position of the harvested returns for his efforts? His house has a granary that contains the harvested grains of the crops raised in the past. There is also a standing crop ripe and ready for harvesting in the fields in the current season. He is also preparing for sowing more crops in the future.

What about an Archer? He has a quiver on his back which is full of arrows. He has an arrow that is placed on the bow and ready to be released. There is an arrow that was just released but has not yet reached the destination. The arrow that has been released from the bow and in motion now cannot be called back. It is beyond his control now. It will do its duty and reach its destination. Like the farmer mentioned above, he has three arrows at any time. The arrow which is released from the bow, the one that is ready for releasing and those in the quiver awaiting their turn.

*****  

The examples of the farmer and the archer are extensively used to explain the "Karma" theory. They (Karma) are primarily classified into three categories; Sanchita, Agami and Prarabdha. We often hear people say that they are living out their "Prarabdha". What does it mean?

Even as per accepted laws of Physics, every action has an equal reaction. Whether one desires or not, actions produce their results. There cannot be an action without a reaction or result. For any living being, actions are a continuous process. Even not doing anything and keeping idle is also an action and produce its own reaction. It is the action of inaction! Planting and watering a fruit bearing tree sapling will lead to its growth and will ultimately yield fruits. Planting a noxious weed would also result in returns of a number of noxious seeds. This is in accordance with the means and ends relationship. One who plants a noxious weed cannot ever hope to get a fruit in return. Similarly, planting and watering a fruit bearing sapling cannot result in giving back noxious weeds.

Actions produce the corresponding results irrespective of whether they were done knowing their nature or one is not aware of them. Drinking poison kills the person who knows its harmful effect and drank it for committing suicide. Drinking poison also kills a person who consumes it without knowing that it is poison. Fire burns the hands of an elder person who is aware of its burning nature. It also burns the hands of a child which touches it being attracted by the color of the flames, but not aware of its burning nature. Karmic actions bring their results in a similar manner. 

Sanchita Karma are accumulated karma of past lives. They represent  desires, aptitudes, tendencies and capabilities carried over from past lives. They are naturally cumulative result of many past actions. Banks have "Sanchita Deposit Schemes" where deposits are made in installments and their returns are given with interest on a future due date. Agami Karma are those that represent expected future karma. Prarabdha Karma are those which are ripe for reaping and cannot be avoided. One has to live them out and face their effects without fail. 

The crop ready for harvesting now and the arrow released from the bow and in motion are symbols of Prarabdha. One has no control over them now, even though their origin was due to one's own actions. The grain bags in the granary and arrows in the quiver represent the Sanchita karma. The crops to be sown in future and the arrow in the bow right now are symbols of Agami karma.

One has to remember that all Prarabdha is not necessarily bad. There are many "Sukha Prarabdha Karmas" as well. They are the results of the past good actions and bring good results.

*****

A grand function has been planned to celebrate a major landmark in the family. Many rituals are to be conducted as a part of the celebration. Ghee is an important ingredient to be used in the rituals. The lead conductor of the rituals has given a list of items including ghee. About two hundred guests are expected and a grand lunch will be the crowning glory of the function. Chief cook has given his own list of items including ghee. Aggregated requirements of items are to be purchased from the grocery shop.

The aggregate order for ghee is 50 Kg. It is available in 5 Kg containers and 10 containers are to be bought. There is a doubt whether this much is really required as the tendency is to indent for higher quantities as nobody wants shortage in the middle of the function. Shopkeeper provides the solution. Take ten containers now and the surplus if any will be taken back, he assures. 

After the function it is observed that six containers of ghee is fully used and two are not opened at all. But there are two opened containers with large quantities of ghee in them. They are taken to the shop. Shopkeeper accepts the two full containers as it can be sold to someone else. But open containers are not acceptable. They are now the exclusive property of the holder. 

Prarabdha Karma is similar to the ghee in the opened containers or grains in an opened bag. The holder only has to use it. Whether one likes it or not, it is to be borne by him. High cholesterol and medical prescription cannot dispose it! 

Is there no escape at all? Can the pain be reduced? Go to the nearest temple and use the surplus ghee in these two open containers to light the lamps there. Many believe that surrendering to a Sadguru or the Lord will reduce the impact of Prarabdha Karma this way.

*****

How to escape the effect of these Karmas? There is a big haystack on our back and we are moving around carrying this burden. Can the burden be lightened? Some say that they cannot be avoided and their fruits have to be lived through. A tiny spark is enough to burn it down. Many believe that the protection of a "Sadguru" helps in reducing their effects. Believing in the Lord and doing one's duty dispassionately helps in reducing the impact of the various bad karmas. Probably the best strategy would be not to enter into bad karmas willingly. Do not plant noxious weeds. There won't be any noxious harvests!

What about those who do not believe in the theory of Karma? What about those who do not believe in the existence of the "Sadguru" or the "Lord"? They are the gifted ones as they need not worry about Karma at all. They too cannot escape the effects of their actions, but they need not spend any time on worrying about it.