Thursday 7 March 2024

Charvaka Philosophy


A portion of my published paper. It was presented in BHU in January, 2013.

The base of Indian philosophy is Vedic literature. The recognized schools are – Charvaka, Buddhist, Jain, Samkhya, Yoga, Vaiśeṣika,Nyaya, Mimansa and Vedanta. It is not the final division or permanent division. There are few schools which are either not taught in detail or they were only meant for a particular period. With this few schools are totally lost. Some of them are mentioned in the scriptures. Buddhism and Jainism were converted into separate religions. The former got royal patronage and the society followed the ruler. Slowly – slowly Jainism also flourished as a separate religion. Their scholars and monks claim that they are totally different from Hinduism. Their scriptures are also as old as Vedas. The current discussion is not related to this. After all, everyone wants permanent relief from stress and strain. If they get permanent relief and freedom from the cycle of birth, other views are not important. There is no need to quarrel on name and form.

A period came when the society saw the uprising of Mimansa School. It was a lengthy period in our history. Though it got a slight break in the period of Buddhism, afterwards it again showed its influence. They loved the ritualistic part which was prepared or manipulated by demons. They were pampered and sponsored by the royal class. From another stand point, it seems, every school started working for popularity (preyas).

Among the schools mentioned, Charvaka, Buddhism and Jainism are termed as atheist. The so-called followers of theism keep safe distance from above three schools. Out of these, the Charvaka was termed as totally untouchable. Even other atheist schools do not like this one. According to some scholars, it rejects the authority of the Veda. According to them, the Veda establishes the next world. So, anyone who discards the next world is rejecting Veda. For them it is not proof.

According to the sponsored scholars, atheists are godless people. How can anyone survive without god? On one hand the preachers promote the idea of everything being made and maintained by God. In the end, everything goes in him, therefore, nothing can exist without his knowledge. Human beings do not have any right to decide this matter. They do not have the required authority. Only God can decide, who’s with him and not. The matter related with the next world is an imagination of a few cults. The purpose of Veda is not dependent on that. What’s the ground reality? Are atheist schools really useless? When the sutra of every school is supported by the Vedic literature, there has to be some ulterior motive in underestimating them. The literature won’t promote useless thing. There’s nothing useless in the universe. We might not be familiar or do not want to extract the essence from them.

The sutras in ancient scriptures didn’t name any school directly. They reflected the thought process. While thinking, a person stays at any one of them. The mentality of attachment, took it as a sutra of personal ideology. Slowly- Slowly it developed in a separate school. The concept of having sutras of various natures in the literature is easy to understand. The scriptures follow the policies of caring attitude. They behave like a caring mother, who knows the requirement of every child. When a person’s mind swings among nature, body and society, the Samkhya School is helpful in nourishing his thoughts. With this, if there is a liking towards health, yoga will be helpful. A person totally attached towards rituals and fruits of action, the Mimansa School will be the first choice. This school got too much importance during the rule of different kings. The lust was pampered and promoted in different forms. The scholars of this and the school of yoga got royal patronage easily. Instead of going into surgical operation, it can be easily said, all of them helped in or the other way.

On the basis of the above technique, the process of analytical thinking started. The storm of thoughts brought a shower of questions. It turned into a river of analyses. Everyone is attracted towards this or that ford (ghat). The river flows through them and enters an ocean of solution. Every ford gives temporary relief. We do stay there, for some time. The absence of permanent relief asks for further journey. The analytical process starts again. It goes on till permanent relief is obtained. This is the story of Indian philosophy. The fords denote different schools. One of the unique features of the Indian philosophical trend is; they exist inside and outside. All of them are right in their own place. On the ground of behavioral reality their importance cannot be neglected. The day to day behavior, of an individual, reflects different levels of actions. They are the results of pre-occupied thoughts, arising and capturing the mind immediately after being a part of the scene. The thinking style of every individual is different. The same individual’s style also differs from time to time. The reaction towards the same thing differs. After thinking deeply, an individual may not react in the same way, as it did before.

A common example, given by the lovers of division is, about a few blind people, touching the different parts of an elephant. After that, each person comments on its shape. Among them one person touched the leg and for him the animal was like a pillar. A person touched his tail and said, it was like a rope. Another one touched the trunk and said, it was like a snake. One touched the portion of the body which was above the leg. For him, the animal was like a wall. In this example one must assume that everyone had the concept (idea) of those things which were compared with the parts. Without this, the example will be wrong. On the other hand, this example is suitable only for fanatic people. They keep their inner eye closed and are extrovert. This example is suitable for the cults and not for the philosophical schools. For the purpose of discussion, the word school is used. You can also use it for educational purposes. The only risk is, in the educational system they are taught as the competitor of one another. The educational system is only interested in making you blind. The above example is also suitable for the syllabus of philosophy. The cults and the current syllabus are trying their best, to confuse the masses. They are achieving their goal by broadening and maintaining the division in the intellect. They are not ashamed to play with the faith of an individual.

The values present in the Charvaka philosophy, help in maintaining cordial relation and decorum, with the self and the society. In between there are family, relatives, friends, strangers, flora and fauna. A behavioral pattern emerges from them. Gradually, they become a symbol of identification. According to maturity and grasping power, everyone gets a set of values. The journey of thinking or analyzing starts with the body level. After all, physical body is essential for every level of thinking. For behavior or spiritualism, you can’t reject the need and importance of the physical body. 

An urge to understand the link in the thought process is essential. While migrating from one level to another one, mind and intellect searches for moments of rest. It is a natural process. The Indian system believes in trying and not only on accomplishment. This system, gives space for internal growth. It doesn’t believe in forcing. Every one can’t grow internally in the same speed. They take their own time. Here, the concept of inferior-superior is absent. There’s a common element present in every case. All of us are in search of permanent relief. According to natural laws, the people are attracted and attached to this and that school. You can also call it, as a level of thought or platform of analyses. A feeling of satisfaction arises in the mind. The person takes it as the required solution. Slowly-slowly the tendency of becoming fanatic develops in the mind. Instead of judging self-development, he becomes unreasonable and illogical. The stops are only meant for analysing self-development.

In those cases where the above signs are dull, the person starts this process. Numerous doubts arise in the mind. If the person cares about personal spiritual growth, he’ll start walking on that path. Until and unless, the mind gets permanent calmness, it remains agitated and upset. It may behave peacefully at the level of the gross body but there’s no peace at the subtle and causal level. As soon as this hollowness is noticed, the person becomes restless.

It is the second category, where people are attached with the stops, coming in the process of thinking. They run after names and care about external appearance. It is a natural tendency. The human mind is easily attracted towards a new thing. It searches options. This is cashed by pseudo intellectuals. They wear robes, follow rules in public and chant long prayers. It is nothing else but a show business. You are only using physical and intellectual strength.

In this path there’s a third category. There are few people in this. They may or may not be good in bookish studies but they are awakened towards the path of spiritualism. They do not care about the stops or the marketing techniques adopted by different cults.

For a student of class one, his class is important, useful and for some extent fearful. After promotion, the same scene is seen and the only change occurs is, in the number of the class. Before, it was one, now two and so on. Every class brings some excitement and attraction. After coming to the next class, previous one can’t be rejected. One may laugh on it but can’t negate its importance. None of the class is inferior-superior. Every class contributes something in the carrier of every scholar. In behavior we say, he’s in higher class or in college or in university. A lower class is not meant for rejection. Now, in the terms of syllabus, one dimension can be added. A same subject is taught from class one to ten. The topics are kept according to the grasping power of the students. Even in the case of mother tongue this rule is maintained. If something is needed to be given, it is presented in light or diluted manner. The classical literature is not added directly from upper KG or class one.

The Indian philosophy deals like this. This is an important reason for their survival. Their sutras were written, to maintain the balance in behavior. After all, none can stay without behavior. The balance in behavior is needed everywhere. If you stay in a forest, flora-fauna will be there. You’ll behave with natural things. At the body level you’ll behave with yourself. It may be mentally but it is still a behavior. An action less situation is a fallacy because it is also an action. You’re under the influence of the same kind of thought. We can’t stay without breathing. Though it is automatic but it is also an action. You may not speak from mouth but you’re continuously using sign language. It is also a kind of talking. You will get name and fame. The people will come to see you. That is the only gift you’ll receive for your penance. You’re taking food and liquid from mouth. For that purpose, mouth is opened. Therefore the mouth is in motion. It is not in silence mode. You have gone through Prasthantrai (Gita, Upanishad and Brahma sutra). You might have attended one to four years course on them. You have become a good orator and writer. You may have taken robes or paid lump sum amount and started staying in, any ashram. How much material has gone through you? How much you have digested? In the absence of upasana and karma yoga, digestion won’t take place. It proves the need and the importance of behavior. Here, the upasana is not related with any special category of rituals.

Charvaka philosophy helps the walkers in very positive way. Like other schools, if does not claim anything. In fact, none of them force themselves on others. Their followers (intellectuals, writers, preachers and sponsors),  claim their own superiority on other schools. For establishing themself they went on defaming, rejecting eachother. None of the sutras of any established school says, they are the final things and one must follow, in order to achieve liberation. The sutras are broad minded. After dividing them in schools, scholars have tried to keep them indoors. It is just like playing with fire in which chances of burning fingers are more. The emphasis must be on use and not on the misuse of the sutras. 

This part of discussion can be made clear by the example of Indian educational system. It is a known fact; examples are not a photo copy, of the thing for they are used. One must take the part which is needed for the implied meaning.

When the behaviour is essential, one must keep inner eyes open. By remaining awakened, a person is able to analyze the situation. While analyzing the situation, peculiar situations comes in the picture. It often becomes difficult to take the decision. A common man finds himself / herself standing on a cross road, where different options are available and it 
is difficult to choose the right one. In order to guide the person in taking the required decision, Indian philosophical schools behave like a mirror. This process will be clear when a reader reads this paper.

Spiritualism is nothing but staying in self. Most of the time is invested in behaving with others. How much is invested for ourselves? Here, no one is asking to run away from the assigned duties. Thinking is the official signal of this path. It starts from Charvaka. Why not from any other school? This school deals more with the body and behaviour. To accept or negate a body, you must have a body. It can also be termed as the first step or stop of preliminary investigation, needed in the path of spiritualism.

This is the only school which talks about social responsibility of every individual and talks about democracy in a codified style. It doesn’t favor the idea of determining caste by birth. In fact total Vedic literature is in the favor of gun-karma or the qualities of a person.

It is really a pity where Indian schools of philosophy are taught as atheist and theist. All the three - charvaka, Jain and Buddha are theistic. On the other hand Indian system do not have the western concept of atheism which is God centered and the definition of God is also not crystal clear. 
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There's one post on Charvaka in Hindi in this blog. 

Contact for personal presentation. 
Whattsapp 9160128133 

Charvaka Management - in the Amazon . It also has the sutras in the Sanskrit language. https://images.app.goo.gl/Td7kxdckT8CyNfd79


One kindle edition for Kindle users. 




Friday 3 November 2023

Cognition and Indian philosophy

  In short but brief let us try to understand the absolute reality with an analysed time tested formulated method. Books like mind's eye, charvaka management, Analysis of Inapt Education and waves are there to give further input. 

The study of the material world and cosmic phenomena contains several layers. Though matter donot have own independent existence one must know how to deal with it. Why? Infinity is all prevalent, omnipresent so nothing is without it. That's why the study of transactional world was needed to understand the wiring of infinity. 

Let us try to see this from an Indian perspective. 
There are 9 classical schools of Indian philosophy which are actually darshan but for convenience the word 'philosophy' is used. From charvaka to vedanta - a chronological order where none forces one to accept conclusion on the basis of faith. They are all useful, that's why still alive in and outside the body. 
 
Q 1 - Can religion explain cognition, mind and things like that? State the reason for your answer. 
Ans 1 - Religion based on rituals, customs, culture, topography will give numerous interpretations so their view can't be a proof in the long run and that also for others belonging to other traditions or simply following the view 'do as you like'. 

Q 2- What about philosophy? 
Ans 2 - The word 'philosophy' is normally used to describe a personal view which is promoted in an era due to various reasons. Normally it stays at an argumentative level. One formula is the trio of study, reasoning and experience. A fanatic follower of one or two will go on digging. Due to this it is famous that keep 10 philosophers in a room and you will get eleventh philosophy. 

Q 3 - How do you see the status of both - religion and philosophy from a common angle? 
Ans 3 - Every theory coming from human intellect will be fragile. Dogmatic attitude will govern both them. The case of religion is severe where you're not allowed to question the doctrines. 

Q 4 - Then how Indian philosophy take us on the right path? 
Ans 4 - The Indian philosophy isn't rigid and never forces own conclusions on others. There is a chronological order of saying and seeing the world in and outside the body. And that is time tested. 

Q 5 - Where can one find the primary source of Indian philosophy? 
Ans 5 - The Vedic literature contains the sutras or principles directly or in a codified way. In short one can go through the authentic upanishads for that. 

Q 6 - What do you mean by veda? 
Ans 6 - The root 'vid' means to know or get the required information which is 'knowing'. It becomes knowledge after analytical experience (conclusion of the experiment) 
or in many cases direct knowledge where experiment isn't needed. That information or knowledge or both is known as veda. 

Q 7 - Why are few topics taken or taught as non vaidik? 
Ans 7 - Personal like - dislike of sponsors including sampradayas, rulers, rich class dictated their terms and conditions. Tendency of controlling the resources is a human nature and joint effort is needed to play the game of topics so that brainwashing can take place easily. 

Q 8 - Why are they known as apaurusheya? Give an example. 
Ans 8 - The part which was received via deep meditation is known as apaurusheya or not written with normal intellect. For hunger solid or semi solid food is needed, a thirsty creature needs liquid, various prayers, etc. 

Q 9 - What is paurushey? Give an example. 
Ans 9 - The literature written via normal intellect. It can be of the person concerned or sponsor or both. Taking betel nut as it is will be apaurushey and worshipping as ganesh is paurushey. Taking a flower as it is or describing it on the basis of one's own level is apaurushey and paurushey respectively. 

Q 10 - In which domain modern subjects can be kept and why? 
Ans 10 - All of them will be paurushey because every theory coming from the human intellect is fragile. They have the possibility of rejection or change due to the development in the field of science.

Q 11- How does charvaka school handles or help in this?
Ans 11 - A body is the medium needed to understand. In the order to reject the body, a body is essential. The path of understanding emerges from a balanced approach towards behavior and spiritualism or understanding consciousness. And charvaka is the first step of this path.

Q 12 - Do you want to say that mathematical formulation idea is supported by Indian philosophy to understand mind, behavior, etc?
Ans 13 - Yes. Terminology may differ but the thing is the same. A well established method is there.

Q 13 - Does cognition of physical world with the mental or / and intellectual world had been studied in that?
Ans 13 - yes. But it is in codified form. And rishis of Vedic age gave the formulas to decode and judge them.

Q 14 - But Indian philosophy also defines consciousness in ways. What about that?
Ans 14 - Nothing contradictory or confusing or tendency of defeating eachother but teaching according to the grasping power. It isn't a case of show business where one popularises one's own brand at any cost.

Q 15 - What about duality, non duality etc? 
Ans 15 - These are body related concepts. Nothing to do with absolute reality or consciousness or ultimate truth.

Q 16 - What's harm in calling everything an illusion?
Ans 16 - People consuming uncontrolled narcotics, alcohol also thinks like that in many cases. In extreme mental cases this feeling arises if not checked properly. This is related with one's own existence and it makes the total difference.

Saturday 26 August 2023

Symbolism in the postures of shivs

The admirers of this and other two blogs (akshayaharshudou.blogspot.com & akshaywaves.blogspot.com) are familiar with the writing pattern of Akshay Chaitanya. Today you are invited to read about symbolic representation of the shiva who is one of the trinity in vaidic dharma / Hinduism. Other two are Brahma and Vishnu. The trinity is in charge of creation (Brahma), maintenance (vishnu) and destruction (Mahesh / shiva). Their manifested forms were imagined and used to teach the mass in the symbolic way. 


Most probably they were personified in the post vaidik period. The common reason was to show respect and bring them in the domain of ritualistic patterns. As we all know, the emergence of rituals was meant for the benefit of the mass. As the society started becoming organised the concept of the division of labour took place. A need was felt to help various groups who were not the same financially. The steps of the rituals contained those ingredients which asked for the participation of every group of the concerned area. This noble vision was slowly manipulated to control others also. 

For further instruction on the pros and cons of this vision you are requested to read (Analysis of Inapt Education and yaksha yudhisthira samvad). Since this was meant for the mass human beings like forms were imagined for the personification. One unique thing with the trinity is their presence and acceptance in pre and post vaidic period. Their individual 
prominence in the society was dependent on the powerful person of that particular area. As we see in the case of shiva, he was projected in various ways. From an ascetic to a householder, his actions had both direct - indirect impact on the society. 
Even an image can teach if one knows the art of reading. Our ancestors presented the essence of various scriptures via sculptors and idols. The temples became the easiest medium to do this. It was the period when the society constructed the temples with the perspective of imparting knowledge in this way. Anyone who don't have the time to read the scriptures or unable to understand o there is a lack of real mentors and the urge of knowing is there, can easily get the guidance by seeing an idol. The picture of Shiva's family teaches various things. 

The vahanas (vehicles) of the members are animals (shiva, Parvati, ganesh) and a bird (Kartikeya). All the vahanas are of opposite nature. In the food chain 
Mouse → Snake → Peacock and bull → lion. The natural food chain does not work in the family and all of them stay in harmony. If the master, owner, leader, boss knows one's own responsibility and maintains a balance in rights and duties, sets an example of the values needed for unity. By mistake if one takes this as a love for other creatures it will be a blunder since many of them are eaten by human beings and even offered as naivedyam in many temples. After all, sanatan dharma is not based on any diet plan. Every true sanatani must oppose the conspiracy of equating vegetarian food with Hinduism. 

With this, the family neither tries to overpower eachother nor jealous of the popularity and preference of any member in the society. The stories highlighting the opposite mentality are not the parameters. 
The crescent moon on the head is in constant touch with the brain and it denotes coolness. The powerful head of the family must be of that mentality while behaving with the family members, etc. 
The flowing river (Ganges) from the head tells about the value of water. Since the water is shapeless, , odour less, colour less it is adjustable but not due to ulterior motive. In a group personal identity must not become a source of breakup. With this the lesson of preserving water bodies is given. The cooked stories regarding the origin of the river Ganges are simply bogus and just like the fuuny tales about onion garlic, carrot, jackfruit or calling few schools of Indian philosophy as nastika, etc. These have defamed sanatan dharma. 
The pose teaches the leadership quality of a powerful leader. For others it is a lesson that the mere respect of any leader due to fear, obligation, oiling isn't any health situation. Therefore one who is attracted towards the post of a leader must possess those qualities as shown in the picture. From the standpoint of the leader concerned responsibility and duties are more important than the facilities received due to the protocol. 

The crescent shape is an astronomical phase of the moon. A waxing crescent is a sickle-shaped curve, representing a harvesting hand tool known by the same name. A most common, essential tool used by the farmers. Even in the modern harvesting machine another version of sickle is used.. 
This analysis matches with that phase of waxing crescent which is moving towards full moon (Purnima). On the other hand the waxing crescent phase from the full moon to new moon shows death and rebirth. The shape and use is same in the both cases. The only difference is in the material being cut. The journey towards the new moon asks for moving away from worldly affairs. 
When the waxing gibbous is towards full moon it starts showing the sign of abundance and the journey towards new moon asks for introspection. 
In the Egyptian mythology, the waxing crescent is related with their moon god Khonsu. And the implied meaning is same as said before. 


In a single image continuous process of creation - destruction is shown by the combination of the two styles of dance – Tandav and Lasya. There is a constant movement (dance) of subatomic particles in the universe shown by the cyclically closed arch. The energy produced by the dance of subatomic particles is the fire or energy needed in every aspect of life. In the image the left leg is in the front and the right leg is behind and standing on the ground. A human-like figure is shown in between his right foot and the ground. The figure is ignorance about one's own true nature and identity. This can be removed by the knowledge of self. In the beginning 
information about one's own true nature / atma gyan is received and a genuine practitioner starts preparation for converting that into knowledge. The position of the left hand and leg shows the nature of the mind when it is towards the world and is involved in the process of creation. At this point the mind moves away from its true nature. In Ardhanareeswara form the left portion is said to be related with mother Parvati. As we all know that the responsibility of delivering a child lies on a mother. 


The nataraja pose clearly talks about the cycle of creation - destruction emerging from one source. In the other words the manifested forms mentioned for creation to destruction are equal and there is no higher or lower in them. In the beginning the common human intellect is unable to grasp or experience that trinity so they are taught separately. 


Ardhanareeswara form shows the blending of masculine - feminine energy present in every creature. The biological difference is natural which must not be negated but both forms of energy are inseparable and interdependent. Here, Shiva is shown with his consort Parvati. Their position is quite significant. 
In this  form we are seeing the combination of prakriti - purusha. In the manifested form they are teaching the need and value of unity needed for the welfare of the mass. It must be accepted in every aspect of life and forms of livelihood. 

In the symmetrical human brain cerebrum is divided in two hemispheres by a deep longitudinal fissure or groove. The right cerebral hemisphere controls the left portion of the body and the left cerebral hemisphere controls the right portion of the body. Both are joined at the bottom by the corpus callosum. It delivers messages from one half of the brain to the other. 

We will take a few examples to understand the concept of unity with keeping their own uniqueness. Artistic, singing, painting, dancing, song's rhythm, music skills are in the right hemisphere and the language, speech, comprehension in the left. In an natural way the concept of community living is taught. 

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Whenever internal - external churning is done types of impurities will come out in the beginning of the process. It is a natural phenomenon and can't be avoided. The word 'internal' points to micro level churning done by a seeker by following the path of introvertedness. Whereas external churning is at macro level. The same person can become a part of both types of churning. In internal churning it is the seeker who starts controlling the consumption of goods and services. With this there is a control on behaviour. In the case of external churning someone takes the responsibility to control the impurities from spilling the work meant for the welfare of the mass. 
आत्ममंथन
जब - जब जहाँ-तहाँ 
हुआ हो रहा होगा मंथन 
 आएगा पहले पहल विण 
पाओ अगर कर पान 
 धारण करना आया अगर
 शिवत्व पाओगे उसी क्षन 
आत्ममंथन सर्वोत्तम मंथन 
विषैली हवा विषैला जल 
जमा विष तक जाएगा पिघल 
 शिवरात्रि करो अपनी सफल। 
यह केवल गल्प नहीं 
किया अभी मंथन नहीं 
विष तभी निकला नहीं 
  संभलो अब इक बार 
तनिक चाहो इक बार 
परव सिखाए इक बार। 

(this poem was written on the occasion of Mahashivratri 8th march 2024)
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What about the analysis / interpretation done by the intellectuals of that era when these sculpture, image were made. For this we have the many examples of the seals, etc found during excavation where written matter describing them were either not found or even existed. For a lay person an idol is nothing more than the name - form. It is the expert who is trained to decode an image / sculpture. The major problem is either people start searching the implied meaning of every object or try to prove its relation with their own ideology by giving funny, irrelevant, absurd interpretations. 

In this context let us see the interpretation where Vishnu is said to be sleeping on the cosmic ocean and is responsible for creation. To prove this claim puranas were diluted. In the old editions of the scriptures of the higher order like Shathpath Brahman, etc talks about kurma, varah, matsya as the incarnation of Brahma and even in the old editions of Mahabharata, matsya is not related with visnu. Since India had monarchy before independence, there were various kingdoms who were attached with this or that form of trinity and incarnations and wherever they got a chance things were added or totally changed. 

In the scientific world conclusion is placed before the scientists of the same subject before preparing the theory. Here, we are simply addressing the issue where the scientists working on the same topic are present. In the same way rishis of vedic age gave the formulas to judge the authenticity of any scripture or commentary or any other form of presentation. Unfortunately this is not done and in result chaos is increasing in the name of analysis. Even written proof is negated for one's own prestige. For further input read the following post :- 
In this name of teaching veda 
http://akshaygroundreality.blogspot.com/2023/08/in-name-of-veda.html
 

Tuesday 22 August 2023

in the name of teaching veda

The game of guruism 


It is nice to see that the young generation is moving towards Vedic literature. The market is full of fake gurus who are preaching wrong things in the name of vedas. This is an age -old tradition so it is our duty of every true sanatani to analyse the situation. The young mind is like a blank paper and any kind of written material results in disaster. The concerned person becomes a fanatic brainwashed follower. In most of the cases they're not even ready to check the received information in the name of blind devotion towards their own guru. Normally every human being is given 5 gurus by birth. Unknowingly or the vision of staying in the comfort zone stops a person from properly maintaining, respecting nature and gifted gurus.
You are invited to listen the experimented and experienced analysis on the word 'guru'.
(links of two live on the word guru is given in the comment. Please listen them.). 

Western atheism, God, spirit, demon, etc do not apply on Vedic literature and Indian philosophy. Bhagvan and ishwar are different and God isn't the right translation. Discussion on these is present in the blog and the channel. Here the example of the word asura will be taken. It is taken as negative energy or negative quality. Whereas Adi Shankaracharya described it as extrovert person in the bhashya of Chandogya Upanishad. It isn't his personal interpretation but it is revealed in the upanishad itself. 
Q - Why this word was taken here? 

A - The river Danube was known as Dānubius in Latin (Dānubiī or Dānubī). Few took it as demon and even translated as asura. The lineage totally follows and defines philosophically when someone asks the reason of calling the river Danube as asura. The essence of their answer is, the river is the pure light and asura is the negative quality. And both are present in all of us. Whereas the river Danube is also known as Istros, Dunaj, Duna, Dunav, Duna, Donau, Dunăre.

Danu (Sanskrit: दनु, romanized: Dānu) is a Hindu goddess mentioned in the Rigveda as the mother of the eponymous race of Danavas. This translation needs to be analysed properly. Just on the similarity of the word Danu few equated it with the river Danube and others with the Celtic goddess Danu of nature and motherhood. In Ireland one can hear people calling themself as the children of that goddess. To prove the connection with India few claim that after the defeat in Das Rajan Yudh mentioned in the Rigveda, the king who worshipped Danu migrated towards Europe. The so-called gurus cleverly called danu as river goddess. That is why European rivers have 'da' in their name. None felt sorry to change the introduction of 'Danu' who was more like a family or community deity. She was promoted as the 'river goddess' which is totally fake. 

Sanatan dharma is not based on any particular diet. Unnecessary chaos is created in the name of vegetarians and non vegetarians. Both are hindus. Indian saints who ate non vegetarian food are insulted by a few vegetarian preachers but that is wrong. It has nothing to do with spiritualism or atma gyan. Why can they not promote themself without insulting others? Globally there were many highly elevated saints who were non vegetarian and no one has the right to insult them. A true seeker won't do this. 

The way in which non vegetarian hindus are hated is really shameful. If they leave Hinduism, who will be responsible? From the past few decades several people who pretend to be sanatanis are projecting Hinduism as totally vegetarian. Examples of Gita are taken where a food item is not written. When upanishads were written the consumption of fish and meat was common. Many temples of devi have non vegetarian food as prasad. Non vegetarian biryani is offered as naivedyam in the few temples of south India. People sacrificing goats also oppose this in social media. Few told me that they have to follow the trend. You can watch videos on this in my channel. 

In this order to prove their own superiority and speciality onion, garlic, carrot, jackfruit are defamed by giving funny cause of their origin. Cooked stories of puranas are also not a proof since their contents are paratah siddha and not swatah siddha - their reliability depends totally on the verification. All the funny reasons goes against Ayurveda and old scriptures on agriculture products. One can listen the videos on this in my channel. 

Regarding 33 koti devas upanishad is the only proof. Other childish reasons are meant for promoting one's own ideology without analysis. The upanishad clearly says about 33 departments. The word koti means shreni or vibhag or department in English. Unfortunately another meaning of koti which is crore became famous. Sanatanis are also promoting this. Other meanings are neither verified nor supported by the upanishads. Since there are various theories on the creation of the universe in Vedic literature one must use parameters to judge them and of course one must do the required sadhana. Now let's see few funny definitions given by the so called sanatanis :-
1 During the time when it was written the population was 33 crore. 
2 A step further another fellow added few words in the previous point. The new version took bhagvan, ishwar as one and said one in every person. Like this the number was adjusted. 
3 There are 330 crore gods. 
4 Now comes the scientific reason. 33 denotes 33 vertebrae of the spinal chord and the nerves are the numbers. Few even divided the nerves on the basis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions of the spinal cord. 31 pairs of spinal nerves branching out from the spinal cord and two from the coccyx, or tailbone. They either avoided every query or started fuming. Since they believed their guru so others must do that. Only the number is common and one must start connecting it with spinal cord. Sometimes a mental disorder develops in the name of science and spirituality. This type of patient starts defining everything on the basis of science or spirituality. The most lucrative way is to relate with authentic Vedic literature without analysing. In fact there is no need to equate unmanifested (33 koti) with the manifested spinal cord and nerves. 

In the name of mysticism many things are famous. Seeing patterns, figures, colours in meditation is often based on the upbringing where a child continously stays with that kind of literature. It is stored in LTM (long term memory) in the brain and slowly comes out during meditation or deep thinking where sub conscious mind starts playing the game of showing various things. These are often taken as true and books are not only written but promoted as the part of the Vedic literature. 

On the other hand we see few common symbols, geometrical patterns present in various civilizations. The global similarity of the symbols isn't a coincidence or copy paste but spiritual revelation. The most common is shatkona or the star of David. Another is number seven. One must be careful while seeing the similarity. It must not be a case of 'somehow prove' concept
I have two posts on this. 

Varieties of absurd views and interpretation are being promoted in the name of the vastness of veda. Personal interpretation is good for the concerned sampradaya / cult / free thinker and their followers. When it is related with the simplification of veda, prescribed time tested parameteers must be used to make it acceptable for the mass. Rishis of Vedic age gave the formulas to judge the authenticity of any scripture or commentary or any other form of presentation. Several sampradayas, modern preachers, free thinkers have sidelined them. Their lineage start presenting hypothetical approach as authentic. Though few talk about fake gurus but they themself are in that trap. For them initiation is the only thing needed. Most of the sampradayas have taken pauranic literature as authentic and older than veda. When children are taught like this they become brainwashed fanatic follower of this or that organisation. Others who are unware of the Vedic contents and run after them due to their reputation are also spoiled slowly.

Wednesday 19 April 2023

Upanishads - An investigation - 3



The readers may see the post 'Gayatri - In the eyes of Upanishads'  which gives the view of Chandogya and Brihadaranyak Upanishad. It is really irony where those precious views were never promoted nicely.


Mundaka Upanishad (1-1-5) has kept Rig-Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, Atharva Veda, and other fields of knowledge in the category of Apara Vidya. Their fruit depends on Karma. One has to do something. Without application they are unable to give any fruit. In positive or negative way that is separate issue and while doing, one experiences that every work has got some fault and the fruit is also not permanent. Only the time period is more. The gainer suffers from fear of losing. He/she starts the game of manipulation. The person may be in any uniform, any colour, any chair, anywhere.
 It must not be taken as a rejection of ritualistic part because this part is used as a sweet dish in order to motivate people towards the goal of the Vedic literature which is knowing, remaining in true identity and on the other hand performing the duty or swadharma given at any particular point and place. 


In Paingala Upanishad, it is clearly stated, one who has tasted the nectar, water won’t give any separate satisfaction to the person concern. In the same way; one who has known his self, Veda won’t have any further use. There is no need to jump in the ocean of the scriptures. The knowledge of self is more than enough. Here, it means enlightenment and the thing needed is nidhidhyasan 'निधिध्यासन' or atmabhyasa where a seeker goes on purifying the mind and intellect which is needed because one stays in the behavior after gaining the knowledge. It is only at the level of information and needs experience or reformation in behavior due to the essence received by the Upanishads. 


The rituals are not the final thing. This is the stand point of the Charvaka School. The phrase ‘person relates self with the body’, supports the idea of body is soul.

Other Upanishads sees this in positive, practical and spiritualistic way.


Taittiriya Upanishad 1.3.7: a person having uncontrolled mind is impure. It has nothing to do with the ritual of declaring a person impure (ashouch or sutak ) due to birth or death in the family. When somebody dies in the family other members are quite upset though they have seen this in other's family. It is totally ridiculous to stop them from not doing their daily puja or worshipping in their homes. There's a trend of proving every ritual in a spiritualistic way and this was also loaded with funny reasons. It will be a waste of time and effort on knowing them. 
In the society these two issues are taken as the symbol of impurity. There are numerous do’s and don’ts imposed via these issues.

Maître Upanishad, 2.13.14: Inability to discriminate or delusion or ignorance is taken as mother and knowledge as son. The death of former and birth of later resulted in double sutak (impurity). The death means removal of ignorance about real identity. In the state of impurity, how can one perform the ritual? It is also a tradition to stop good rituals during the period of impurity. Taking sun as consciousness, it is further said; this sun shines continuously. How can on perform the ritual? According to the rules, 3 different phases – dawn, mid day and evening sun are used for performing ritual (sandhya upasana). In this, few separate lines are added to denote timings. When the sun is as it is, ritual can’t be performed. And this became the symbol of creating hatred towards females and people of so called lower caste as if caste is by birth, by forbidding them to chant gayatri mantra. In the name of reform few cults emerged and they allowed everyone to chant and perform sandhya upasana as if they were giving something from their own pocket or have got divine permission to allow everyone to participate in this. None showed the courage to place the facts hidden in the scriptures which were unbiased from starting and Upanishads had their own view on this. 

The knowledge of self is above every ritual. The Bhagavatam, 11.19.4, supports this vision. It openly rejects undue importance given to, pilgrimage, chanting, penance, charity and other forms of noble actions. Other things are attached with nature. They’re related with the body level. The realization or enlightenment takes you above that. The general information regarding self is present in the human beings. The scripture is asking in firm belief and established in that. Before that, knowledge of self is body oriented. This angle is not a personal view but Adi Shankaracharya also said like this while writing the Bhashya on Brahmasutra. 

Shrijabaladarshan Upanishad :
  The one who stays away from the knowledge of self or one's own true identity which is truly holy place (in symbolic sense)  and runs after other holy places is just like holding a glass and throwing a jewel. All the holy places are full of mud, or water or forest or mountains  or their combination so their's nothing great. They may have worshipping symbols or provide peace due to their location but they aren't equal to the status of knowledge of self. 
The one who stays with the knowledge of self which is without attributes or superimposed identity is real Agnihotri because there's continuous  oblation of ignorance which arises due to day to day behavior or contact with the world . This purifies the person and the knowledge is that fire which is needed to do demolish the ignorance which builds its own castle in the due course of time if not checked regularly.

Paramhansa Upanishad warns monks also:
There are cults in which, monk carries a wooden stick wrapped in saffron cloth. In some, it is not wrapped. Without being established in self, which is the real stick, wooden one is meant to fill belly.

Parbrahma Upanishad: According to this, knowledge of self is purest zikhA or lock. It is like a flame in which ignorance finishes its existence. The one, who wears it like a thread, is a Brahmin. Here, wearing means, established in self. The one may have knowledge of self but it isn’t necessary, he’s also established in self. That is why; scripture points this level separately. Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad supports this view.

Even the Bhagavatam, 11.18.17, says: silence is the punishment or stick of speech, doing work without being too much attached with return, is the punishment or stick of the body and breathing exercises (pranayam) is the punishment or stick of the mind. A monk having these three sticks is dandi swami (of cult mentioned before). Without those and having only a wooden stick can’t be the parameter of a monk. 

Tejo Bindu Upanishad throws light throws light on, essence of Vedic Literature, in its own style. It throws light on the  terms of yoga philosophy. It is related with inner healing. A small introduction of first chapter is as follows:

Yama is that, in which one controls all his organs (of sense and actions), through the Vijnana that all is Brahman; this must be practiced again and again. In Niyama, a continuous flow of the same thought mentioned above, takes place and abandoning of thoughts  differing from one another is practiced. The worldly matters are not entertained. The person becomes cautious towards these feelings which take him away, from his goal. The scripture is not talking about the thoughts of worldly affairs because they also may flow in the same way. The difference will be in the topic. It will go on changing. In Tyaga (renunciation), one abandons the manifestation of the universe through knowledge acquired by study, reasoning and intuition. This is practiced by the great and is the giver of immediate liberation. In Mauna (silence), speech returns along with mind, is fit to be attained by the Yogins. By speech one can’t get that level. Making one’s vision full of spiritual wisdom; one must look upon the world as full of Brahman. That vision is very noble. It is (generally) aimed at the tip of the nose; it must be directed towards the level wherein the cessation of seer, seen and sight take place and not towards the tip of the nose. One may talk about Gita where this kind of thing is mentioned. It is not a fairy tale which can be followed in one strock or by an extrovert mind. It is pointing towards concentration and not on any physical posture. 

The Pranayama (the mastering of breathing process) is that, in which control of mind through the cognition of Brahman in all the states of Chitta takes place. The checking the reality of, the universe, is said to be exhaling. The conception of ‘I am Brahman’ is inhaling. The holding on (long) to this conception without agitation is cessation of breath. Such is the practice of the enlightened. The ignorant person closes his nose. 

It is really a pathetic situation where all the universities do not care about these definitions, while teaching yoga.

This Upanishad is helping in understanding the words used in the Patanjali yoga. Few words and their definitions are given above as examples. The demons also practiced them but they didn’t follow the meaning of the Upanishad. They followed the meaning which were meant for ignorant and totally extrovert person. To some extent, yoga techniques improve health conditions but that is not the aim of yoga. Though, it is taught in that way. The people who are trained like this have a tendency of being extrovert and nuisance for the society. By practicing decoded ones, a person can feel permanent change and a chance of become more human.

The scholars or students, who give total importance to shruti pramana or sabdapramana, do not care about the definitions of yam, niyama, etc given by the above Upanishad.

Brahmabindu Upanishad says: take the essence and leave the scripture. It’s just like taking grains and leaving hay behind. It is the lust which results in, feeling of bondage. The one, who is free from it, is liberated. There is no separate existence of bondage and liberation. The one must practice control of mind till it doesn’t dissolve within. When that event takes place, it is known as, knowledge and liberation. The rest is an expansion of scripture. Here, dissolve means, detached from attachment. The wise man extracts essence and leaves the book. It is just like after thrashing the crops; a person takes grains and leaving the hay behind.

   The sadhanas for the materialistic, behavioralistic and spiritualistic progress mentioned in Brihadaranyak, Chandogya, Taitterya Upanishads are remarkable. None of them increases the issue of pollution and poverty of various types. None can say that these are not ancient Upanishads. 

   Just imagine the impact on the society if the above mentioned things were explained and included in the curriculum. All the Upanishads are not so complex as they are labeled and kept aside. Many of them deal with the style of happy management. The society of Vedic age was happy and progressive due to this.

  Many people want to know about the details or the background of that happy life and these three posts will provide the required input. The Upanishads do not talk openly on every issue but give the required hint which can be followed by using the formulas. With this, read the posts on veda and Hinduism in the blog akshaywaves.blogspot.com 
In short but brief this is available in Hindi in the blog akshayaharshudou.blogspot.com 
and in the playlist named वेद और उपनिषद (Veda and Upanishad) in the channel named Akshay Chaitanya in the youtube.