Why a paradise turned to hell?

….more you think about it, more it becomes surreal….or is there something the world doesn’t know? What this blogger knows about Norway (from the Net) is that it is a quaint little country with not much disparities among its population who enjoy a high standard of living. What created so much anger in this pristine and comfortable surrounding is difficult to fathom. It is shocking that a single man with enough ammunition could go around shooting 100 odd people-mostly youngsters, never even heard a thing like this before, it’s unbelievable.

In the meantime I take strong exception to the “experts” who tend to come in 24x7 TV channels. One man even reminded us, as the tragedy was unfolding in Oslo, that Islamists were targeting Norway, firstly because of involvement in Afghanistan (this stand gets the veneer of condoning in certain circle) and secondly he quite obnoxiously pointed the presence of newspaper office that published Mohamed cartoons in the vicinity of blast. Why do we need these views? Why can’t the TV channels (BBC in this case) behave more maturely?

Two questions, dho sawal, randu chodiyam, eradu prashna !!!

This an earlier blog i posted some years back...was reading it other day and so thought of republishing!!

It was in my mid twenties that I came across this remarkable book (most probably from the pavement of Chennai, not sure though) The Great Religions –by which men live (Floyd Ross and Tynette Hills). Published in 1956 Beacon Press USA it is quite an old book, the pages are so fragile that I keep it in a plastic cover. I had a fractious relation with religion in my teens, later though I did try to explore this concept and I have traveled to most sacred spots of all the religions that exist in the country. Also read about other religions and animist traditions not found in this region. I recall interacting and asking questions with people on religion and their perspective. It was an amazing experience.

This book tries to bring in the best of all religion and therefore a good reference point. The forward to the book says “it is unfair to measure any religion by its lowest expressions. All religions have their heights as well as their lowlands, and the heights are to be seen clearly in their creators, their founders and their great literature. The measure of religion is its best ideals”. This precisely the point of exploration in this blog- the followers take on religion with reference to two very simple but relevant questions. I started this a year back and could have finished it in few weeks but then earning is important- so had to break into months (geez if only I had won the jackpot at race, anyway i won enough to sponsor my tour!!), also I wasn’t only into these when traveling there are many more interesting thing to work on and observe. Years back I used to do things for my personal understanding now that I have a blog and a camera I am attempting to document these. I am always curios about what common people thought about their surroundings and events centuries ago, unfortunately there were no blogs. Few centuries from now if someone bumps into my blog and gets some understanding I will be honored. In that sense history has just began: The history of common people. Also this ‘inquiry’ is very much influenced by tradition of Greek philosophers- they started with simple questions, and Indian mystics. The intention of religion has always been for common good by enlightened people. It provides solace to people in day to day hardships and unpredictability. It is a reference point that connects individual to the infinite. It provides private space for communion with the almighty. Religion is a force that has guided millions of people throughout the centuries to goodness.

Care was taken to choose people who were ardent follower and practitioner of the religion and not those who were part of power structure or heads-that would be skewed opinion. Although I am putting their snap but I gave them anonymity by not revealing their name. Also, the locations were chosen that had a symbolic reference to the concerned religion in this country. Covering the relegions in india is like covering the world!!. Its amazing. Probably what is left is Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism...

The two questions asked were:

What does religion mean to you?.....the answers generally had the elements of the religion the person followed. His/her perspective on best of the religion that has percolated into their understanding, and therefore attitude.

What does happiness mean to you?....in the increasingly consumerist world we live in the question is very pertinent. Surprisingly none of the response had any reference to money or material. One wonders whether market is really in sync with human nature, are we creating a schizophrenic society?. Nothing explains complete disregard to people, environment and surrounding. Also note that the western understanding of secularism is anti-religion as a reaction to atrocities and irrationality of faith. But this distancing from religion has put them in the lap of consumerism. It is therefore not a coincidence that in western context secularism goes quite easily with greed and indulgence. Also note no religion ever encourages profligacy bringing it in direct contradiction to consumerism. The attack on religion in the name of secularism needs to be seen in this context also.

Sikh at Harmandir sahib (Golden temple, Amritsar, Punjab)

What does religion mean to you?

The one that helps everyone (jisse sabka bhalla hoe). Guru Gobind Singh ji is our path. This amrith pani (the one that surrounds the Harmandir Sahib where the holy Guru Granth is kept) will spread pureness. It will help everyone. Nam japo or kirat karo (take lords name and do righteous acts)

What does happiness mean to you?

The action that helps everyone brings happiness. Sharing is happiness.

About Sikhism and golden temple: Sikhism was founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538). At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God. The word Sikh means learner. Golden temple is the most revered place of worship for Sikhs and one of the oldest Gurdwaras. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy text. The Sikhs are to have five K’s, one includes uncut Kesh-hair, making them easily recognizable with turban. Sikhs are spread throughout the world, there are some 30million followers of Sikhism.

Buddhist monk at Dharamshala (McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is compassion. If you are compassionate then you become enlightened.

What does happiness mean to you?

Well at this point I am not very happy, I cannot speak. I am getting nightmares about Tibet. I am not getting sleep.

Since most monks are not very communicative, mostly smiling at the question. Not entirely satisfied with above answers I decided to ask the questions to someone who is comfortable with probing. I found this young man, he had come from Tibet in 1997.

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is one that creates holiness that brings spiritualism in one oneself.

What does happiness mean to you?

Right thinking creates right action that produces happiness. You have to think right. (since he had left his family, friends, home, at Tibet and was uncertain about future I asked him isn’t it difficult to have that state of mind)…context of the mind changes, you have to create.

About Buddhism and Dharamshala: Buddhism is based on the teaching of Gautama Buddha (560 to 480 BC). Buddha gave the middle path- a path of moderation, separating from extremes of self indulgence and self mortification. He gave insight into the nature and cause of human suffering which was ignorance, along with steps necessary to eliminate it. These truths were then categorized into the Four Nobel Truth- the state of supreme liberation, a state of Nirvana.

Dharamshala is where there is huge presence of practicing Buddhists. Dalai Lama is most revered around the world.

Muslim at Jama Masjid (old Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion speaks truth, follow Allah follow truth. That is all I know and I do my prayers.

What does happiness mean to you?

Making other’s happy and giving alms to poor, respecting others. Create your talent (hunar) use it for betterment. Talent (hunar) is created by following usul (I guess the English translation would be rule or way or discipline). Ek usul hotha hai. Hunar usul se atha hai.

(Our man happens to be from surat Gujarat. He claims to be the best pehlwan in the town, he was also bit uneasy about being illiterate. He told me to create hunar through my pen since I was scribbling down what he was saying. Kalam se hunar paidha karo!!.....well don’t know much about that but yes I love blogging).

About Islam and Jama Masjid: Islam originated from the teaching of Prophet Mohammad in the 7th century. The word Islam means submission to God. Muslims believe that God revealed Koran to Mohammad. Jama Masjid is one the biggest and well known mosque in India build by Shah Jahan. There is much material on the Net about Islam, the bloggers may go through that.

Christian Sister at Palayur, Thrissur (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion for me is love, doing good for society. Religion gives me contentment and strength.

What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness is about accepting oneself as we are. No comparison with other, envy creates unhappiness. Also happiness is not harming others, making others unhappy, by words and action.

About Christianity and Palayur: Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians call the message of Jesus as gospel -good news. Bible is the revealed text. Christianity basically put the foundation of western civilization. Palayur Church is probably one of the oldest church in Asia, established by St. Thomas in 52AD. Christianity is one of the largest religion there are ample material in the Net.

Jew at Jew Market Ernakulam (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is meant for humanity’s goodness. I say my prayers regularly and concentrate on my job.

What does happiness mean to you?

As Freud said (he reminds me that Freud was a Jew!!) enmity to others is cause of all unhappiness. Palestine problem is due to enmity and so are all the problems in the world.

About Judaism and Jews in Kerala: Judaism is one of the oldest religions tracing its history to more than 1000 BC. According ot jews judasim began with covenant (bond) between God and Abraham. Judaism is a religion based on principle and ethics. There is no single body or person but sacred texts (tanakh), traditions and learned rabbis. They faced lots of prosecution in the name of crusades and inquisitions. In Kerala it is believed that Jews came around 700BC some even date it to the period of King Solomon (1000BC) referred to as “black jews”, mostly found in Ernakulum market. The Pardesi Jew or “white Jew” came later during trade links of 17th and 18th century, found in Kochi. It need be noted that most have migrated to Israel.

Baha’i at Lotus Temple (Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a way of living. It provides spiritual guidance. There are two sides of religion: Spiritual and Social. The spiritual remains eternal wherein the social changes with time. Religion is like a book and God sends messengers to add the chapters.

What does happiness mean to you?

There is a song I learned in my school (run by the Bahai faith) Time to be happy is now Place to be happy is here Way to be happy is to make someone happy To bring little heaven on earth.

About Baha’i and lotus temple: Baha’i is a very young religion founded by Bahaullah in nineteenth century. Baha’i means splendor. The Baha’i faith emphasis on spiritual unity of all humankind, they underline the unity in all religion and shun prejudices. Humanity is seen as collective evolution. Inspired by Indian tradition of reverence to Lotus the Baha’i temple was designed as a lotus in marble the nine entrance symbolizing nine major religions of the world. It is an architectural wonder.

Hindu at Haridwar (har ki pauri. Uttranchal)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is serving God. Bhagwan sarv vyapi hai (god is infinite, all knowing). Bhakti meh hi puja hai (don’t know how to translate that!!). this world moves with the devotion of pilgrims.

What does happiness mean to you?

There are two types of happiness. One is worldly- like if you pass an exam or happiness in grihasth (loosely meaning family life). Next is in serving God. The inner contentment that comes with devotion to God. Happiness is always with you.

(typical to sadhus in here he defined himself as bogi!!!. And said “ann ka datha sadha sukhi. Vastra ka datha kaml pathi. Meva misht anant sripathi”. He forced me to buy condiments-sugar, flour, butter… for him from a shop!!!).

About Hinduism and haridwar: well…well what to write about Hinduism??!!!. I am a Hindu…whatever that means!!. I do adore many things about Hinduism, most importantly the freedom, the non exclusive nature. It is a way of life. Please read more about it in the Net. Haridwar is a very sacred palace for Hindus, it means ‘gateway to God’. According to Hindus haridwar-har ki pauri to be specific, is the one of the four spots where the nectar from the cosmic churning fell. It is a sacred sight for kumbh mela. Ganges river is like a mother to Hindus.

Jain at Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujurat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a mean to control negative emotion like anger and greed. A healthy person is a person with healthy mind. A healthy body is useless if the mind is not healthy. Atma is eternal, it is more precious than body.

What does happiness mean to you? Happiness from devotion, most happiness is momentary. Long lasting Happiness is a process that takes time for the mind to understand. Agla bhav (future state of mind) is very much determined by purv bhav (early state of mind).

About Jains and Palitana: Jainism is one of the ancient religions. True Perception, True/Right Knowledge and True/Right Conduct is the path to attain Moksha. Jains strongly believe in non violence and are strict vegetarians. Non-violence to minimizing new Karmas to get attached to the soul, every soul is considered worthy of respect as it has potential to become pure soul. Since Jains emphasized on non violence, Jains took jobs in business. They are one of the most literate communities in the country, generously contributing to educational institutions and libraries. I read in the Net that although they constitute less than a percent of Indian population they contribute 24% of the tax collected!!!.

Palitana is considered one of the most sacred pilgrim centers of Jains. There are some thousand odd temples constructed on the hill and is dedicated to the first tirthankar (guru) Adinath (rishabdeva).

Zoroastrian (or Parsi) at Udvada (Gujarat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion gives stability and preserves virtues. Humata, Huktha and Huwarsta- good words, thoughts and deeds.

What does happiness mean to you? Following religion gives peace of mind that is happiness. Religion gives strength in hardship and difficulty.

About Zoroastrians and Udvada: a religion that traces back to 9-10th century BC. Zoroastrian is based on the philosophy and teachings ascribed to the prophet Zarathustra. There is one universal and transcendental God, Ahura Mazda- the one Uncreated Creator to whom all worship is ultimately directed. The energy of the creator is represented in Zoroastrianism by Fire and the Sun, which are enduring, radiant, pure and life sustaining. Zoroastrians usually pray in front of some form of fire.

Udvada is the place where the oldest fire temple is located in India, it is also considered most sacred since it has highest grade “ritual fire” and is the oldest continuous burning fire in the world.

Ayo Ente Padmanabha !!

This blogger has been watching the events at Sreepadmanabhaswamishetram in Thiruvanthapuram with much amusement. Unlike what some in the media want us to believe it is not really a “treasure” it is a nercha by the royal family over centuries. Apparently the royal family was aware of these valuables. This blogger doesn’t give any damn about royal families and other hereditary claims but when it comes to the Travancore royalty I am in reverence and hold them in highest regard. Their egalitarian worldview and concern for common people is one main reason for high level of social indices in particular literacy in south part of a small state called Kerala. Indeed south Kerala’s art and culture owe much to the royalty. Even the present royal family consist of sophisticated people concerned about the issues related to common people, eschewing ostentation or mistaking any grand bearing about oneself unlike most royalties across the world. They are the most humane set people worth emulating.

I recall when I was in my first year of college and visited the temple during araatu festival, venerable Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja was carrying the sword in a procession as part of custom, I happen to be inside the temple, when maharaja passed by everybody bowed except of course yours truly. The frail maharaja (who expired an year later) gave me such a stare that I still recall with much trepidation. Later an elder explained to me about greatness of the king and so on. I also recall taking my friends (mostly Christians) to the temple on my 19th birthday, I really wanted to do something different.

Padmanabhaswamy shetram is probably one temple that I have visited the most apart from of course Guruvayur. When we were kids there was hype about the clock tower at the temple that had goats that would strike its forehead onto each other with the clock ringing the hour. The way it was told to us gave glimpse of running goats and so on. So with high expectation we were at the temple, and when the goats did a minor oscillation instead of fiercely attacking each other at the strike of the hour, boy wasn’t I disappointed?!!

Many outsiders may not know this but even the name of the capital city –Thiruvanathapuram- comes from the lord Padmanabha, he is in ananthashayanam the name traces from this. Whenever I go to Thiruvanathapuram I make it a point to have tea at a shop opposite to the temple that gives a marvelous view of the temple (similar to the one in the picture above), it is a sight I cherish.

When train accidents happen...

It is terrifying to see train accidents, every time i see one i feel so very lucky and cannot help thinking for unfortunate victims. I guess this is what makes people fatalists, when things are not in control what else can one do? And then you have reports that maybe policy makers are not being competent. Railway ministry is a plum ministry, i hear. Everything said and done accidents shouldn’t happen but one has to consider comparing the number of trains and the passengers travelling (it almost is a size of a nation on the move), therefore statistically one may say that accidents rates are not very high.

I guess it was last year and i was on a train from Bhuvneshwar to Howrah and for few seconds there was this huge clattering noise as if train is going through mound of gravel. That probably was longest few seconds for all of us. Some people really got panicky; i too went into maybe-this-is-how-it-is-going-to-end kind of thought. Fortunately for us nothing happened, and everyone exchanged some nervous smile and went back to their business. Collective fear can be a terrifying moment, it takes precious time to extricate oneself and think as an individual and pretend to be unconcerned (some mistake it for courage).

What individualism means to Murdoch and what it meant to Oscar Wilde

It is to be noted that individualism does not come to the man with any sickly cant about duty, which merely means doing what other people want because they want it, or any hideous cant of self sacrifice, which is merely a survival of savage mutilation. In fact, it does not come to a man with any claims upon him at all. It comes naturally and inevitably out of man. It is the point to which all development tends. It is the differentiation to which all organisms grow. It is the perfection that is inherent in every mode of life, and towards which every mode of life quickens. And so individualism exercises no compulsion over man. On the contrary, it says to man that he should suffer no compulsion to be exercised over him. It does not try to force people to be good. It knows people are good when they are let alone. Man will develop individualism out of himself. Man is now so developing individualism. To ask whether individualism is practical is like asking whether evolution is practical. Evolution is the law of life, and there is no evolution except towards individualism. Where this tendency is not expressed, it is a case of artificially arrested growth, or of disease, or of death. Individualism will also be unselfish and unaffected...

That was a paragraph from The Soul of Man Under Socialism. In the same essay – incidentally written more than a century ago, Oscar Wilde writes something that is so very prescient “English public opinion, that is to say, tries to constrain and impede and warp the man who makes things that are beautiful in effect, and compels the journalist to retail things that are ugly, or disgusting, or revolting in fact, so that we have the most serious journalists in the world and the most indecent newspapers. It is no exaggeration to talk of compulsion. There are possibly some journalists who take a real pleasure in publishing horrible things, or who, being poor, look to scandals as forming a sort of permanent basis for an income. But there are journalists, i feel certain, men of education and cultivation, who really dislike publishing these things, who knows that it is wrong to do so, and only do it because the unhealthy conditions under which their occupation is carried on oblige them to supply the public with what the public wants, and to compete with other journalists in making that supply as full and satisfying to the gross popular appetite as possible. It is a very degrading position for anybody of educated men to be placed in, and i have no doubt that most of them feel it acutely”.

Writing in today's Guardian Newspaper Columnist George Monbiot suggests a charter for National union of Journalist . What is true here for Britain is also true for all the world

“Our primary task is to hold power to account. We will prioritise those stories and issues which expose the interests of power. We will be wary of the relationships we form with the rich and powerful, and ensure that we don't become embedded in their society. We will not curry favour with politicians, businesses or other dominant groups by withholding scrutiny of their affairs, or twisting a story to suit their interests....
We will stand up to the interests of the businesses we work for, and the advertisers which fund them. We will never take money for promulgating a particular opinion, and we will resist attempts to oblige us to adopt one...
We will recognise and understand the power we wield and how it originates. We will challenge ourselves and our perception of the world as much as we challenge other people. When we turn out to be wrong, we will say so".

This is what Press Council of India had to say "News is meant to be objective, fair and neutral – this is what sets apart such information and opinion from advertisements that are paid for by corporate entities, governments, organizations or individuals. What happens when the distinction between news and advertisements start blurring, when advertisements double up as news that have been paid for, or when “news” is published in favour of a particular politician by selling editorial spaces? In such situations, a section of the reader or the viewer can hardly distinguish between news reports and advertisements/advertorials. Marketing executives use the services of journalists – willingly or otherwise – to gain access to political personalities. So-called “rate cards” or “packages” are distributed that often include “rates” for publication of “news” items that not merely praise particular candidates but also criticize their political opponents. Candidates who do not go along with such practices on the part of media organizations may be denied coverage. Sections of the media in India have willy-nilly become participants and players in such practices that contribute to the growing use of money power in politics which undermines democratic processes and norms –while hypocritically pretending to occupy a high moral ground. This has not merely undermined democracy in India but also tarnished the country’s reputation".

Despicable

if these are happening in Britain, i shudder to think what might the case in countries with huge disparities like India. Crony capitalism, nepotism and concentration of power with few sections has all the remnance of feudalism. I am quite certain that they can with ease snoop into common people's conversation at will. Yes freedom of expression is important but the context in which media works as also the realities of the society makes aspiration and dignity of common people paramount, their privacy is not a matter of profit or boardroom haggling. Freedom of expression has become a ruse for exploitation. This is neo capitalism. Murdoch is a symptom of primitive world build on sophisticated edifice.

unfortunate

...its unfortunate these positive dope tests. This blogger thinks that although the issues related to cheating in sports must be dealt in all its severity but in this case leniency must be shown as these athletics were not in knowledge of their doing as it is being pointed out they didn't have any experts (read doctors/ support staff) with them so they might have committed the mistakes unknowingly. Secondly they are in the field for many years and are reputed they know the consequences of these banned substances.

Post Script: last week or so has been quite productive for me in terms of writing short stories (visit www.depalans.blogspot.com). I wrote not one but three, one more is gestating in my laptop-will take few more days. I want to dedicate these short stories. The first one "A Minor Incident" to Team Anna as also members of NAC who are doing a wonderful job for the society, while the next one "Shuklam -The rebel" to people at Taj safari...there were hiccups but i had wonderful time. Life is about memories, indeed i had wonderful time at Baanjar tola. Next one "The Matter of Keenness" to my friend Mudappa (crazy Coorgi punter). Cheers!!