"Mother and Motherland are sweeter than heaven itself"... Visiting my India after 8 years





A Temple dedicated to Sri Sarada Ma..the Ideal Mother at Pune in India

More than a Hundred years ago..Sri Sarada Devi of India once touched the ground of her village Jayarambati in West Bengal and then anointed her head with the dust..saying " One's Mother and Motherland are greater than heaven itself.."

Never before have I felt this truth more intensely than during my very recent trip to India this Autumn after more than 8 years...

From the moment Brian bade me Goodbye  and the Air Canada Plane took off from Toronto in late September until I landed in Mumbai almost 24 hours later ( stop over at Zurich)....there was something  so dreamlike and exciting to be going" Home again" that I found myself breaking into tears of joy  at every sight and sound and when someone at Mumbai airport recognized me and came over to say Hi...it was a breakdown moment for me...For the uninitiated into this emotionalism ,we Bengali's are the most emotional of all Indians and that is why Bengal has produced the most Poets, Singers, Dramatists, Writers, Philosophers, Thinkers,Saints and Sinners.In fact one of the most world renowned Scientists Acharya Jagdish Chander Bose who discovered that not only Plants but Stones and Metals too have emotions was a Bengali..That should explain it all..!!!

So why so long in this day and age to travel back home..? Life in Canada..sometimes keeps us chained for a long long time and then suddenly you realize that the years have passed..and then no matter what you do and how busy you are someone and something is tugging at your heart and calling you from afar..That Call from Afar is the Call of your Mother and your Motherland...and your home..a Home that she and Dad created together with their Love and Sacrifices...

View from my Plane of Zurich below..

I have always been close to my Mother and my Father..though he passed away 24 years ago in November 1990..Coming home to Mother this time was as always very very precious..

She had waited for me for many years and stayed awake all of that night...to open the door in the early hours of 3.13 am in the morning....The next two days between jet lag and catching up I held her close and cried and told her how much I love her..I saw that though her beautiful hair had grown more silver and she a bit more frail..she was still my " Mamma" and I her child..While every Mother is wonderful and great, Swami Vivekananda who had traveled the world had once said that the Mothers of India ( In India) were the sweetest because their Love, Self Sacrifice and Motherliness towards all..and their unselfishness and kindness and softness surpassed that of all women in the world..Somethings never change and never will...like the Love and Bond between a Mother and her Child..but my Native Land India surely has.changed....


Gateway of Gardens at Home..Pune India

After 8 years I almost felt I was in a new land.n the I.T ( Information Technology) corridors of Western India where I grew up..Pune, Mumbai..Bangalore..Hyderabad..and beyond the landscape has dramatically changed...the Four-way Highways and huge Office buildings suddenly connect cities and towns and villages within hours. No more Bullock carts and Water Buffaloes walking along the roads...Malls and shopping centers dot the cities and small towns .
The day I landed in India and very  new and  dynamic Prime Minister of India  Mr Narendra Modi was in the USA and his historic speech at the Madison square Garden had the nation spell bound.. Everyone seemed to be watching him on TV that night and though I am no fan of Politicians I could feel that this was a man with a difference..A man from the grass roots who understood the pulse of a Nation..a man who could stand up and say..we are  No Longer a Nation of Snake Charmers but a Nation with a huge population of Technology `Smarts' so " Wake up to the new reality.

A Traditional Diwali Rangoli Art work at Sri Sarada Math Pune

." Indians are educated, hard working and Coming your way..!...The key points he made about India being the  Nation with the youngest population on Earth..with 65 % of the population being below 35 years of age..of " Brand India" becoming a reality rather than just a  dream and creating opportunity and development and becoming a Superpower to be reckoned with resonated well with all. He dared religious Fundamentalists and enemies from across the North Western and Eastern borders of India to mess with India and face the consequences and  even the US President looked overwhelmed as the " New Global leader of the generation " was ' visibly' born..All this may sound very boastful and the opposite of humility to many..but there are times when a Leader must stand up for his Nation and his people
PM Modi's High Power meeting with the top ten CEO's of America had India cheering and within hours the word in business circles was out..Non Resident Indians will pump back trillions of dollars into the Indian Sub continent to make the vision of a developed India come true under a Leader who means business.War, terrorism, Religious Fundamentalism are not the Goals of most Indians..rather Peace, development , a better life for all and over coming the huge challenges of the past is what most people seek.

As I noted In the I.T ( Information Technology) corridors of Western India where I grew up..Pune, Mumbai..Bangalore..Hyderabad..and beyond the landscape has dramatically changed...the Four-way Highways and huge Office buildings suddenly connect cities and towns and villages within hours. No more Bullock carts and Water Buffaloes walking along the roads...Malls and shopping centers dot the cities and small towns and suddenly everyone has buying power. The Diwali festival season blew me away...Never as much as now do Middle Class and Wealthy families have the ability to throw thousands of dollars

 ( Not rupees) worth..for the Holiday season and the Big Brands are wooing them in a bigger way than they woo Shoppers in North America. 

Durga Puja at Shivajinagar Pune

Munni the girl who comes in to cook, clean and help my Mother has a new Nokia cell phone and Baru our family House Keeper since 1982 who is more like a brother to us has a Samsung make one. When I left India 14 years ago as a `Hot shot' reporter there were only Two reporters in the Police Press room who owned cell phones and those were huge instruments with antennas sticking out of them.The phones had to be carried in special bags.and were a "Status symbol"...Now everyone in India is suddenly talking..buying and shopping..

There is a New Breed of " Global" Jet Setters and  they are closer home that you can imagine.. These men and women who 15 + years ago or less  worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to graduate from the I.I.Ts " Indian Institutes of Technology" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institutes_of_Technology that are considered to be some of the highest Schools of Technology in India and also rank in the world...Students also graduate from the local Engineering and Technology Schools and Colleges in India where studies and " career" and hard work come first.... Many Indians love technology.

In India I saw the new breed of "Jet Setters" and they are closer home that you can imagine such as my Cousin Subhashish gradate from IIT Khadagpur India. He works as a senior executive for an I.T Dutch owned Global company in Pune India that flies him to Kansas in USA, Shangai in China and Tokyo in Japan..three or four  times a month and then back to India... where he gets to spend the rest of his time with his wife and child between jet lag days.He trains American, Chinese and Japanese Engineers  on a IT program he created. At home he is the simple, unpretentious, funny Bengali boy we grew up with..Success has not changed him at all...

Durga Puja celebrations on India for Daserah and Diwali.
When the Goddess's visit Earth-..Humankind can...

 My own brother  Partha spends two weeks of the month in California the HQ of his company, and then a week at home in India where he overseas the India operations and another with his family in the Middle east....and they are just the tip of the ice berg of regular Jet setters zipping across the globe.

In every family I know..boys and girls I grew up with are no longer " Awe struck" or" Impressed" by the NRI ( Non Resident Indian ) cousin , friend or Uncle or Aunt visiting home....everyone I knew is a World traveler, Everyone is on the move and getting very wealthy.They are also terribly Jet lagged and in any major International flight headed to Mumbai or Pune or Bangalore..75 % of the passengers are Tired Indian techies just waiting to get back home from their projects in USA and Europe...But as the Prime Minister Modi asked..What about those  who did not have an Education in Computer technology.or Bussiness.where do they go?

And that is the Breed of Grass root Business men and women I salute and take my Hat off to..The spirit of Entrepreneurship is alive and growing and the New Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is the best example of this truth. He is proud of his very humble roots as a Tea Stall owner..yet his hard work, Integrity..search for perfection and being a living example of his spiritual beliefs ( He is a great follower of Swami Vivekananda the Monk who spoke of Patriotism, Courage, Faith in one's self and the Truth of the ancient Vedas.. and above all  Service to mankind.) His principles have made him the leader of a Billion people .

80 Year old Maushi bai sells cocunts and flowers

I saw the spirit of entrepreneurship everywhere..Grass root Business men and women...the Salt of The Earth..hailing from the poorest back grounds but showing their True Grit..In the 80 year Maushi Bai  Flower seller at the Kasbapeth Ganesh temple in Pune..She sells flowers and coconuts to support herself and knows what is the season and reason to raise and lower the price..
 In th The 40 year old Corner Stall owner Bhaura of Rajasthan who operates a tiny grocery store near the Shanties of Wakedewadi in Pune. He is now the proud owner of a Sleek General Store, a Snack Bar and a Restaurant that caters to the Employees of the Multi National Companies that have come up in the vicinity of his store.
Bhaura and his family Holiday in Europe and the Far East (Courtesy the ' Package'Tour groups that woo Indians) They.own Prime Real Estate and three cars..They represent the new breed of Grass Root Business people of India..tapping wealth and opportunity when they can. Similarly Mrs Jadhav Bai worked  her life as a domestic maid..to put her son and daughter into college. Her son and daughter now work in big offices and have set up a ' Cyber Cafe' for her in the ' Hutment colony' of Bhosalewadi in Pune..Mrs Jadhav is now looked upon with respect and admiration by all the men and women in the area..she earns money in her retirement years and provides a service to many people in the area who cannot afford computers.

Bahura Marwari.the New face of Enterprise India

Mrs Jadhav Bai runs a Cyber Cafe..in Pune


 In the Western part of Toronto Canada..Stores are shutting down in Queen Street West..Dundas West..Weston Road and beyond..Malls are dying and business going Bankrupt..In The Western parts of India...every inch of land is Prime real Estate and business's pop up by the dozen.
Yet Many people and many parts of India remain poor and under developed and I have heard that the States of West Bengal, Bihar , UP and the Far East have a lot of catching up to do with the rest and the West of India..Superstitions, crime, corruption and inequality of women and the poorer classes is still a great evil..but the winds of Change are sweeping slowly , but surely across my Motherland...

However for me Diwali and Daserah in India is about celebrating the " Divine Mother "..with my  own Mother and in My Motherland and I had my Heart fill of this Durga Puja with her ..after a long long time....(also read :When the Goddess's visit Earth-..Humankind can...)
Together My Mother and I revisited the India that I grew up in and the one I truly and deeply Love..
The Mango Groves and Hill Stations of the Western Sahayadri hills...the dusty lanes and Sugar Cane  Fields and Guava Groves outside the busy city...and my Mother and I would reminisce about the years of growing up when my Father was there and of how the years have flown and how somethings will always remain the same within...

The ancient temple of Trimbakeshwar Shiva.

The India I grew up in...and  always loved..the India that has not changed and I hope never will.. The Temples and Ashrams of Sri Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada and the saints of Dehu and Alandi..the hamlets and villages where rivers still flow and birds still sing..

The hills around Nashik

 After 14 years in the West I saw and appreciated again the great and noble work that the NGOs Like Ramakrishna Math, Sarada Math and many Individuals were conducting in Education, Medical aid and social upliftment of the under privileged and it was very inspiring and heartening...Lakhs of children and seniors of all religious backgrounds benefit from the missionary work of the Ramakrishna Mission and Sarada Math..Free High Quality Education, Medical aid, nutrition and guidance is provided by these organizations to the needy through the last many many years.The greatness of their service is that it is unconditional and given to people of all faiths .
In all our journeys and days together we remembered my Father. My Parents had a wonderful marriage. They were always considered to be the couple who had the deepest Love , respect and happiness as a couple and they were looked up to with great admiration and even a lot of envy because what they had was very deep and prescious. ..and I can say so much for sure..it was True.
That is why My Mother's greatest wish has been to see me settled and happy with a Man as Noble, Loving and incredible as my Father was and when I met Brian and introduced him to her in 2009 in Canada she was the happiest person. In fact she had said to me " He IS the one who  will hold your hand and walk by your side as your Man till the last breath of your life ..In Between our precious time as Mother and daughter  together once more.. I would suddenly miss Brian and Canada and then quickly grab my phone to Call him...

Brian's Pictures dotted my room and our ' Album of Pictures" held a special place on my Mother's reading table ..they reminded me that though I was in a far away dimension of my Homeland and Mother Land..he is a very important part of my Life and always will be ..He is the main reason I belong to Canada....and over the Phone we planned our trip together to India ..an India I am proud off and  look forward to showing him...



The beautiful Hermitage of Ramdara near Pune , India

Absence makes the Heart grow fonder and this has been the first time we have been apart for so may weeks in our 6 years.together....I missed the Vedanta Society of Toronto and our Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj who has been like a beloved Mother and Father to many of us who have left hearth and home to face our lives here...
This visit has also made me realize how  blessed I am to be a true Global Citizen....in Canada the Indian community has kept Indian customs and heritage alive and well...
I see opportunity for all Indo- Canadians to tap into the Wealth of India and Canada with integrity..Indians have buying power and a new brand and Canada too has much to offer..
" Create wealth " said my Father years ago..don't wait for someone to give you opportunities and I strive for that..in fact we can all create jobs and opportunities for others......



The Ramakrishna Mission in Pune India which educates,inspires and provides free medical aid to thousands of people.

Canada is still one of the worlds most beautiful places to Live in..with a quality of life that far surpasses any in the world..In India I realized that I could no longer go for a walk...The traffic, the pollution and the gawks..it is not safe for any woman..or any man... ( My cousin Subhashish the Tech wiz kid..tried cycling for exercise one early morning in Pune and almost  got hit by a car..the University road which was one of the prettiest and safest has now become  a highway..so he stopped). The only way you get your exercise there is by enrolling in an expensive Gym.
Canadians are also some of the Most Honest and polite people you would meet anywhere and their integrity, hardwork, cleanliness and uprightness are marks of their true character.
India and Indians have warmth, friendliness, generosity..contentment and making everyone feel at home..Balu the fruit seller from our area who knew me since my childhood cried when he saw me after 8 Diwalis and sent his assistant to walk me home saying  :

Balu the Fruit seller with a Golden Heart

" Dont ever get lost again..you are our sister.." it did not matter to him that I had travelled across half the world alone..That is the warmth and the love of the East.."..No one is left alone to Live or Die un cared for..in any Train or bus ride..there will be  a hundred people ready to smile at you and befriend you..though foreigners should watch out for some dangers....yet on the whole you will face talkative, friendly, outgoing and well meaning people , In the villages some of the poorest of the poor open their homes and invite strangers to dinner..that is the Heart and Soul of India that you will never see anywhere especially in the West... 
In the West when I travel on the subway and see the coldness and silence with which people watch and judge each other..I miss the warmth and unpretentious-ness of the East..in the big cities of Toronto, New York etc..anyone who smiles and talks too much to strangers is probably looked upon as " Suffering from some Behavioral disorder"..in India there is a warmth in the air and in the hearts of the simplest of people..who have almost no possession but their ' Golden Hearts'..to call their own.. Every lane holds  a memory..every flower a lingering scent..every sunset is too beautiful to let go and every dawn a new beginning..
Finally the time came to leave home..I cried like a child..I howled when I had to leave my Mother..she gently stroked my head and said.." Every girl leaves home to be with her husband...you have Brian..now you and he must come together often and every year to meet and be with me..this land is his and yours..this home and country is always your own..remember the words of the Vedas..Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam..the World is One Family...I am always your Mother and no one and nothing will ever come between that Love...( in life we have all met depraved people who may try to sow seeds of venom between parents and their children small or big..it is faith in God and our integrity which helps us recognize that people who do that are your worst enemies).I weep all the way on the flight to Canada..until I land in Toronto on Halloween day and Brian is waiting for me...We hug each other and cry and smile..He understands my pain and tears....He has cleaned and  renovated our home to make it more beautiful and welcoming
than before...

Hand Painted Folk Art  known as Warli from the Adivashis of Nashik..
Girsh Poddar a local bussinesman uses this art in his new hotel.
He helps preserve the Art and Culture and way of Life of the aboriginals.

For days and days I am homesick for my Mother..but he shares with and dilutes that pain with his love..
 I realize too that visiting home is symbolic of our spiritual journey and one day going back to our " Real Home"..I remember a Nun at my boarding school long ago once saying that we feel so happy to be " Going home" because it represents our Soul's journey to God.
Traveling across continents also makes us realize that we are not slaves  to any land or any Society..  We perhaps left our Home lands because we wanted a better way of life or there was something we could not attain there..but that does not mean we are slaves to the land or life we choose..
Canada is a great land...however it does not recognize the qualifications and skills of many highly qualified immigrants from other lands..This is both the loss of Canada andof the immigrants who come here. Many immigrants with University Degrees and  High In demand skills are pushed into jobs that do not match their education. This is  a huge Human Resource failure for Canada and that is why The American Dream and the Canadian Dream are not the `same story'..But things are changing now..
However. Look at it from another angle.....The world is shrinking...it is truly a Global Village..with hard work. wisdom and Intelligence...we can create enough wealth to travel between nations and Continents at will and bless others by giving them the same opportunities which we received...I am humbled to ralise how " Free and how Blessed we really are" if we think over it. We have the best of both the worlds...Most people who travel frequently and are not afraid to see and experience the new are open minded, positive and young in Body, Mind and spirit.. they embody the Spirit of the Eagles..Fly Far and Fly high and keep your eyes on the Noble and the beautiful..  and not below..
Back to Canada and Brian..I remember telling my friends and cousins in India that I felt very very Lucky and blessed that I had a Love and  Life partner like him.In my life and that is what I had been seeking...I had waited for the right man and not the `first man' who came along..I have never believed in a marriage of convenience and hypocrisy which many in India are based on. ..I was never wealth or Money driven..My own Father was a self made man who created wealth and jobs for hundreds of people  yet he was a simple and unpretentous man..who gave away more than he received..I have often enjoyed playing the role of "Unknown Alien from  Far away Planet" because deep in my heart I know I am the daughter of a Man who was as Noble and great as a King in his heart and in his spirit..




Aboriginal children receive free education and meals from the Privately run Ramakrishna Arogya mission in Trimbakeshwar. Nashik.

 Seeing the pampering and " Sultan Like" airs of many Indian men in India and even outside India today who expect to be served and pampered by Servants, wives, sisters and Mothers after their business trips..it was refreshing to be with  "True He Man" Canadian Cowboy....who takes care of his partner and not the other way around..Canadian men treat not just their marriage partners and family with deep respect...but extend that to all
." Grouping together and harassing a woman alone whether verbally or otherwise" is NOT part of the Canadian  Male Psyche..but something that Indian men from the days of Draupadi to " Nirbhaya" will have to answer for...
When I was away. Brian. Would between  long hours of work spend every weekend in cleaning and sprucing up our place for my return..He never went Bar Hopping ,Night clubbing or " Playing" but spent his hours alone cherishing our memories...redecorating our home.....Now if that is not a Gift of Love and dedication..please tell me what is..!
Many people in India and of Indian origin in Canada have stereo type negative images of N American men.and women because that is what they would like to believe...but unless you have loved and been with one as Noble and beautiful as Mine..you will never know the real truth. My parents lived in Canada and loved the people of this land and my Mother blessed me very deeply for a Life of Everlasting Love with my Brian..I believe in counting every blessing we have in life and I count the Love of my Mother and Brian and the  Spiritual Blessings of the Great ones we meet in life such as our Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj and other Life Teachers  as some of my greatest blessings.


 A Halloween Pumpkin at Souraren Park Toronto!

I Love you Mamma. and I Love you Brian.and I Thank  God for this wonderful Life.!!!   
Welcome Back to Canada !                                     





                                                                                         Welcome Back to Canada !



On Durga Puja :When the Goddess's visit Earth-..Humankind can...

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Inspiring Posters from this week...

One’s life has value so long as one attributes
value to the life of others by means of love,
friendship, respect, and compassion.”

~ Simone De Beauvoir

Simple Truths

 

Courtesy the Dogs Naturally Magazine

Raja Yoga : The World's oldest lessons on Psychology: Swami Vivekananda

The Powerful effects of Karma and how it works and how 
' Karmic' effects are carried  from one Life Time to another,  forms the basis of much of the Ancient Spiritual Philosophy of  Patanjali's Aphorisms and the four spiritual paths from the Vedas
 ( the oldest spiritual literature known to mankind). In Toronto Canada a small group of students  study the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda . Over The Last  two weeks we took a look at   the Laws of Karma and how Environment ,Time and space take us on our spiritual journey.. and how Raja Yoga is a pure lesson in Human Psychology and Mind Control..

 PATANJALI'S YOGA    APHORISMS: CHAPTER 4 :   INDEPENDENCE.or FREEDOM

                                            ततस्तद्विपाकानुगुणानामेवाभिव्यक्तिर्वासनानाम् ॥८॥

8.Swami Vivekananda's explanation from Raja Yoga : From these threefold works are manifested in each state only those desires (which are) fitting to that state alone. (The others are held in abeyance for the time being.)

Suppose I have made the three kinds of Karma, good, bad, and mixed, and suppose I die and become a god  ( Angel/ demi god ) in heaven. The desires in a god body are not the same as the desires in a human body; the god body neither eats nor drinks. What becomes of my past unworked Karmas which produce as their effect the desire to eat and drink? Where would these Karmas go when I become a god? The answer is that desires can only manifest themselves in proper environments. Only those desires will come out for which the environment is fitted; the rest will remain stored up. In this life we have many godly desires, many human desires, many animal desires. If I take a god body, only the good desires will come up, because for them the environments are suitable. And if I take an animal body, only the animal desires will come up, and the good desires will wait. What does this show? That by means of environment we can check these desires. Only that Karma which is suited to and fitted for the environments will come out. This shows that the power of environment is the great check to control even Karma itself.

Our Spiritual Teachers The Reverend Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj Head of the Vedanta Society of Toronto and Professor Kumar Murty University Of Toronto Canada
( Renowned Mathematician and Teacher on Vedanta) were our guides in the last two Wednesdays of August.. We were gathered at the Vedanta Society of Toronto in Canada.We also refer to the Book " Meditation and Contemplation on Raja Yoga by Swami Sarvagathananda Maharaj the late head of the Vedanta Society of Boston USA.

While most of us found the passage and explanation in English ( By Swami Vivekananda) very self explanatory our spiritual teachers gave us some more examples which were more ' Earth Bound". They explained that many of the examples were from 'Ancient texts" researched by the publishers of Raja Yoga are not so ' Down to Earth" and relevant today.

Professor Kumar explained that of all the ' spiritual" Yoga's Raja Yoga  ( Royal meditation) was the best tool for Psychology because it showed us how we can Train and Discipline our minds and make our minds an instrument to take us towards our goals.  He emphasized that in this sense Raja Yoga was pure Psychology because it  enables us to understand and 'watch' our minds.Our faith and who we pray to is not the object of study here as much as the study of Meditation and Mind Control and taking our mind to higher levels of spiritual progress.
The Two points he gave us were " Memory and Impression". He explained that when we have an experience and remember it that is Memory and when that  Memory becomes deeply embedded we call it an ' Impression". Our Impressions ( Or Samskaras) make us react or behave in certain ways..the secret is to understand why we are reacting and control that impulse. Example..someone usually `Taunts' you and you react every time you see that person. Understand what you are doing an stop 'reacting' to them and they will 'lose control' to hurt you.
Impressions can be taught..example parents teach their children some " impressions" This may be good or may be bad such as " racial" or " Selfish and negative ideas about people'. Kids grow up with learned " Impressions' that were not necessarily their  own experience. Politicians " teach" people to think in a certain way by instigating them as do people in society and Master Minds who seek control over millions. 
Mind acts upon mind. Stronger minds act upon weaker minds. A participant raised the example of how " Con-men" or ' Social Engineers" deceive people because they understand the " Mind and weaknesses" of people. Another participant remarked that this Mind reading may be ' good or bad' example a Mother understands the heart ans mind of her child  as a spiritual mentor or Swami or Guru / Pastor etc understands the minds of the devotees. Similarly Master Minds that lead Terrorist organizations etc also understand psychology and minds. 
Our Teachers said that it was up to us the individual to decide whose " influence" we wish to fall under and the best way was to be " Free or Independent " Kevalam" not swayed by any. Stand on your " own grounds " 
A participant said that she would rather be influenced by a true Spiritual Master than a an evil leader .Professor Kumar gave the example of Sri Ramakrishna and the kinds of people who went to him . Some people were spell bound by his spiritual talk and some were `restless' to get away from the place..they were more attracted to the " Entertainment Districts of Kolkatta and not the Holy Grounds of Dakshineshwar in those days.
Similarly the Internet or the " Air" are full of all kinds of messages and information..it depends on us..on what we chose and what attracts us...This ' Tendency" or deep " Impression on how we think, react or feel attractions and repulsion s toward are called " Samskaras'.  So if you find yourself seeking spiritual information..that is your good "samskara" if Violence and Perversion attract you that is your Bad" Samskaras' Impressions from former lives..and you can overcome it with training the mind to " Go in another Direction"..Re- Direct the Mind or Ego. " Re - Program your samskaras"
Professor Kumar said that if you understand where the " Ego" of a person lies you can easily " control" them. Example..if a person is vain about their ability to sing and you tell them that they are poor singers they may " explode" ( Go Ballastic") . However if you tell them that they are bad hockey players( and they never play the game) they will not have any reaction.
Sri Ramakrishna would say that we have an " Unripe ego" runs towards self importance and " Ripe ego" Given to God. It is better to say I'm a devotee of  God than to say..I'm the " Richest and best looking person " in this city. 
Here training the Ego or Mind to go in a better direction is the lesson.".
Someone raised the point that too much of pride on one's faith leads to 
" Fundamentalism/Fanaticism " and the conclusion from all was that true devotees of God..true spiritual aspirants cannot be " Fanatics' because Fanaticism is not Love it is " Hate disguised as Love for One God...and Fundamentalist leaders play on this
 " weakness" of their followers or congregation.."Truth is one; sages call it by various names," the Rig Veda, one of Vedanta's most ancient texts, declared thousands of years ago.

The Shrine at the Vedanta Society of Providence USA . Vedanta Pays honor to all great faiths.

  
We also discussed how through out  Raja Yoga we have been studying the Importance of Meditation..Continuation and Culmination which leads to 'Samadhi' "Complete unbroken absorption on one point." This practice  enables us to understand any subject we put our minds to and even go beyond it..
In relation to the Aphorism above the teaching was that it is " Desire" that creates " Karma and that Karma good, bad or mixed leads us to ' Bondage' However in order for some " Karma " to bear fruit..we must be in the proper place / time or situation..
Our Swami K had explained how we are carrying the effects of many kinds of ' karma" and the fruit is borne at different times in different ways.
For example a person has  a great desire  and " Stored" karma to be a great Musician..he needs to get out of his " cradle" and grow up a bit before he can fulfill this desire...There are not too many ' Babies' who emerge from the womb singing the 
" Classics of Beethoven"...( though some sound like they do)..:)

Our teachers said " There are some places where the prevalence of ' Tamas"
 ( The dark negative energy) would be dominating such as in prisons, ghettos and war and crime ridden areas. It is very difficult for ' Sattvik" ( Good )energy to be manifested in such places ..so even if a person has a prevalence of " sattva" it is kept " under cover" until the right time and place enables a person to " reveal it" said our Revered spiritual teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj. " However, very high and spiritually evolved souls can venture into these places and remind people that they are all " Sat Chit Ananda" which means Truth, Pure existence of the Soul and real happiness ( Bliss)' . Professor Kumar  Murty gave us the example of how Sri Ramakrishna could even change people with a single touch or glance. In one example an aggressive and Tough Wrestler of the day who was feared by many had visited Sri Ramakrishna casually and was touched by him casually . Years later some one visited the Wrestler who had become a totally changed man. He was transformed into a pious, gentle, spiritual being who had given up all his former tastes and habits and taken to a spiritual life..and he claimed that it was that one touch and meeting with Sri Ramakrishna that has done this.

In Sri Ramakrishna's life we see many example of dramatic transformations.One famous one was that of Girish Chandra Ghosh who was a famous Dramatist, Actor and writer. He was known as a man with a great weakness for wine, woman and many vices..yet in a few meetings with Sri Ramakrishna he became one of the most ardent spiritual seekers amongst the devotees of that time. So too was the case of a man named Kali Pada Ghosh who was a notorious Gambler  and debauch who had abandoned and thrown his family into grief..after meeting Sri Ramakrishna he became a totally reformed person. . In The life of Sri Sarada devi the wife of Sri Ramakrishna there were even greater effects of her purity and holiness.  

Her " Devotees' included such ' Greats" as a notorious Dacoit ( Bandit) named Amjad,  a large number of alcoholics, ..mentally unstable individuals and women of un certain character,  Her love and spirituality won them all over and not only did they reform but became examples of devotion and purity to others...Similarly in the Bible there are numerous stories of people who were stuck in the `sludge' since their birth and one touch and glance of the Christ gave them life and " lifted " them up..not only those who suffered physically but also spiritually and morally..

" We are all light" said professor Kumar.." We came from Light..That light has been covered by dirt..and with spiritual practice and spiritual company we will be able to " wash away" the dirt that covers our souls..Our revered Swami K said that all spiritual practices were meant to " Clean the garbage" in our minds and hearts and bring us closer and closer to the " light".

There was also a discussion on seemingly " Dual karmic" Forces in play in our lives. For example a person may be very spiritually inclined and also enjoy many of the   "Worldly Desires" that present themselves. Our Swami explained that while it may seem like ' Duality' it is actually Two karmic forces manifesting in one Life and eventually the " purer" one will win. ( King Janaka was a legendary King who had Yoga and Bhoga..spirituality and love of wealth both).

Our teachers also mentioned the cautionary words of Sri Ramakrishna who advised aspirants to first be careful of the company they keep and to become very spiritually " Strong" and God centered.." After the young sapling has become strong then goats and animals cannot touch/ reach it " Sri Ramakrishna would say. If we try to ' Save and guide others' when we ourselves do not have that God given " call' or  we are not yet " realized souls"we are like a Log that sinks and takes everything that " hangs on to it" down too...True spiritual Souls are Like Ocean Liners they can cross the Ocean of this world and take hundreds of people with them towards spiritual Freedom..

Even today we see highly realized and strong souls who are able to reach out to  prisoners and other people in trouble and reform them completely. One such example is that of the revered Swami Divyananda Maharaj of Belur Math Kolaka 
( India) who visited Canada recently.This Swami has saved many people from Indian prisons and brought them into the main stream of life as reformed and responsible members of society..  Similarly the Christian nun Mother Teresa would reach out to the abandoned babies on the streets and give them a new life. 
In the path of Vedanta , every person who is ' helped' or saved' is encouraged to keep following the Spiritual path they were born into to or prefer most.." Vedanta believes that all peace and truth giving paths come from one one same God and so no one is ever pressurized to become a follower of "This God or That God" in exchange for being " rescued or helped in life.." Swami Divyananda maharaj has rescued a large number of Muslim girls who were victims of crimes and landed up in
 " Shelters" he helped return them safely to their own families.
Our revered Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj concluded by saying that when a person becomes totally pure and in tune with God's word he becomes an ' Instrument' in God's hand to do good to the world..power, money, help and support come from all sources when a person has tuned in with the " Mission which God has in his/ her Life" said our Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj.

Lunch Break 

..And that is why we do not often see " Miracle Lunch Breaks"  happening  In this day and age...

Raja Yoga and the subject of Depression, Suicide and Mental illnesses from the perspective of Vedanta...

This last week..the world was shocked at the suicide of Actor Robin Williams who was well known and well loved over the world.His death brought back the debate and awareness of many symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, suicidal tendencies and Hopelessness....         

Swami Vivekananda.

 At the Vedanta Society of Toronto in Canada..a group of students gathered to study  Raja Yoga the ancient scriptures from India:  Using the example of Robin Williams as a background our spiritual teacher The Renowned Monk Revered Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj the Head of the Vedanta Society of Toronto Canada had a serious discussion with us the students about the questions of depression, mental health and suicide and related topics in relation to our scriptures. We the students asked him our questions and  He gave us the view of the mental health in relation to spirituality from the Vedas.Here is Patanajali's Yoga aphorisms from Raja Yoga chapter 4 and the explanation by Swami Vivekananda. which we have been studying over the last few years. We also refer to the book Meditation and Contemplation on Raja Yoga by Swami Sarvagathananda maharaj the late head of the Vedanta society of Boston USA.
Raja Yoga: Chapter 4 Aphorism 7

कर्माशुक्लाकृष्णं योगिनस्त्रिविधमितरेषाम् ॥७॥Patanjali in Sanskrit.

7. Swami Vivekananda : Works are neither black nor white for the Yogis; for others they are threefold — black, white, and mixed.

When the Yogi has attained perfection, his actions, and the Karma produced by those actions, do not bind him, because he did not desire them. He just works on; he works to do good, and he does good, but does not care for the result, and it will not come to him. But, for ordinary men, who have not attained to the highest state, works are of three kinds, black (evil actions), white (good actions), and mixed.

ततस्तद्विपाकानुगुणानामेवाभिव्यक्तिर्वासनानाम् ॥८॥  

Seek God in Sadness and Lonliness

Our Discussion : Our spiritual teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj explained that while no one can work without motive, in the saints and higher souls it is a very great God induced motive to do good to the world..such as that in the life of the spiritual Masters such as Sri Ramakrishna , Swami Vivekananda, The Christ and other saviors had..Most people are bound by their action..which is either good or bad or mixed.On the question of Mental health : Reverend Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj explained it from the point of view of the Theory of Karma and our  natural character/qualities. Vedanta/ Hinduism/Sanathan Dharma teaches us that every being ( Including animals) are made of three qualities, Satva ( Pure and full of light), Rajjass ( Energetic and full of desire) and Tamas ( Inert, lazy, darkness, dullness.) We are all made of a mixture of these three ' Guna's 'but one dominates the personality of a person most of the time and determines his nature. However a person's nature changes with his actions and what he seeks and he can go into a higher frame of mind or fall into a darker lower one.

Light..and brightness qualities of Sattwa.

People who have more of sattva are " Light filled'' , full of goodness, goodwill, mild natured, gentle, happy, moderate , compatible, balanced, wise  and temperate in all they do and how they live their lives. They are not driven by greed or power but prefer the gentle way of life and whatever comes to them naturally. They are extremely upright, honest, selfless and God centered. The more spiritual a person is the more of this purity and sattva is manifested. .Many people who choose a spiritual call in life such as Sadhus and Sanyassinis ( Monks and spiritual seekers) are said to be of a very Sattvik ,pure nature.When a greater percent of Sattwa is mixed with some Rajjas then great activity for the good of mankind takes place such as establishing of Religion, morality and justice..the great works carried our by prophets and establishers of
 ' Righteousness' comes from a mixture of mostly Satwa and some Rajjass.

Action and Energy are Rajjas.

People who are of Rajass are filled with energy and activity..they are workaholics and action driven..they are also filled with passions and strong likes and dislikes..the effect of their work can be good or bad depends on how they use it..anger, passion, love of wealth, learning,lust , power driven and administrative abilities etc. It is  the characteristics of most people who live in the world and strive for success.When  Rajjass dominates and has some little Satva mixed then great activity such as building of education institutions, nations, wealth,industry and Scientific break through- take place. When Rajjas combines with Tamas then war , destruction, evil energy and the power of the darker forces rule.Just as individuals have character so do Nations and people of the Nations. 

The third is Tamas: Darkness, dullness, Laziness, sorrow, depression, decay, addictions,loneliness and all that is beastly , including violence,destruction,extreme  hatred and evil.The people who harass and abuse others and enslave others and  indulge in sense pleasures without control are people of extreme Tamas.
Our Nature and what we are is determined by our Karma ( Actions in word, thought and deed)..Vedanta also believes that Karma is carried from life to life ..so what we are today is the result of our previous works and actions in former lives. This is called Samskara ( the impressions and habits from previous births)  We are all carrying baggage..some of it is 'Light '(good) and some of it is heavy with darkness..to shed that `baggage'..and become free ..spiritually free..is the aim of human life.

Darkness. Disappears in Light and Hope...

What we know as depression and mental instability is a dominance of Tamas: Darkness :To fight it one must use " Light" which is spiritual light...seek true spiritual company, spiritual discipline such as meditation, spiritual music, learning the scriptures,selfless action in giving back to society..peaceful positive thoughts and staying away from isolation , loneliness and selfishness and negativity..A mixture of Rajas and greater Tamas leads to addictions, seeking false `uppers' such as alcohol and drugs , sense pleasures ,perversions and all the vices. 
False beliefs that harm the seeker as well as others. Truly evolved spiritual souls have the ability to `help lift' the fallen ( seen in the life Ramakrishna and of Christ and all the Spiritual Masters) . That is why the advise.." seek holy company" Sri Ramakrishna used to say.."One candle can light up a room that has been dark for centuries.".so if your " Light is Right" your darkness should  flee away instantaneously..light Destroys darkness !
 Fundamentalist beliefs that seek to harm and destroy people of other faiths than ones own is a manifestation of Tamas the dark side of human nature.That is why Vedanta stands of the principle that All True religions that teach peace, harmony, love and unselfishness come from that one true light of God. When religion is twisted to harm others and seek power for oneself..then it is not from Godliness...it is Tamasic. Especially today the Hate of the fundamentalists is destroying the world and in every great religion there is a sect that hates people of other faiths because theses people do not believe in what they 
( The fundamentalists want them to believe). This creates a great " Question " in the mind of most people of what exactly is spirituality and what is the root of "fundamentalism" in the name of religion.? why do some people walk out of  a Church or a Temple or a mosque and begin to hate and deride people of other faiths?...was that the message of their prophets and Gods?..Did Christ or Allah or Rama say go out and hate the non believers? 
Most people walk the middle path..they are not 'too religious' nor are they complete atheists..yet the ' shenanigans' of the fundamentalists and border line fundamentalists keep them away from seeking the spiritual path.

The shrine in the Vedanta Society of Toronto pays honour to all faiths.

  " Pure Faith" in your own spiritual ideal and respect for others and serious spiritual discipline such as prayer, meditation, Japam ( repetition of God's name with faith) self awareness in everything we do and non violence in thought, word and speech is pure action which takes us God word..and towards the "Light". Our Teacher reminded us that for those who truly believe in and depend on God ( in whatever name or form we choose) he is our true `counselor' our guide and comforter. " However spiritual discipline from your early age makes this possible" not seeking world name and fame and power and influence over others. In the elderly..it is the near and dear ones that can help them face their dark days and moments of hopelessness..Our teacher commented that often people of great wealth and fame and fortune are known to lose their balance and their stability at some point and that is because they perhaps do not have a spiritual anchor as a base in their lives and get carried away by the `Illusion' ( maya) of the world as true and God as untrue.

Returning to the subject of Karma : Our spiritual teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj spoke about individual ' Karma' , as well as Collective Karma. Karma  is what is explained Biblically  "As you sow you reap" ..the other is the acts of one individual which can effect his family and his society. A good person brings honor and glory to his family and society while an evil one makes his family and society suffer for his actions...
On Suicide he said that it is not Love for death that drives one to suicide but Love for life.." When we do not get the life we hoped for..then people try to escape it by suicide..but Vedanta says..work out your Karma..set yourself free from your " Karmic debts" and the picture of life will change..suicide makes your " Karmic bondage worse;..you are not set free". Swami K further said that the truly free were truly spiritual..they worked for the good of the world..because they did not fear death of anything that happened to them..this Love for death was often reflected in the poems of Swami Vivekananda the greatest of Vedantic teachers and also in the poem from the Katha Upanishad ( What they saw... ..where does the soul go after de...)

Our beloved spiritual Teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj also spoke of the very simple rustic words of wisdom from the lives of Sri Sarada devi the spiritual mentor of thousands and the wife of the Spiritual master Sri Ramakrishna " Sri Sarada Devi or Ma Sarada advised those who complained of depression to never be without work, but that they  be constantly active because idleness led to empty thoughts and negativity..she also consoled her devotees with the words that sometimes the mind was depressed because that was its nature just like water to flow downwards, however spiritual discipline, love towards all... meditation and seeking Holy company helped us overcome depression. Her others words of consolation were that evil times and hard times do not last forever..like clouds they blow away one day..and that `bad karma' and its effects can be counter acted with good karma and true spiritual yearning, discipline and heartfelt prayer.

Sri Sarada Devi..a light of Hope and Love...

In her own life she showed is how we also take care of those loved ones who may be facing dark times in their lives..in the ancient and very spiritual tradition of India...the " Family and Mother  "takes care of her less fortunate children, they are never rejected and sent off to asylums and `institutions' as long as the mentally ill are not a physical threat to society they are treated with all the love and respect that a `normal' person is given. lets not forget that all of us maybe just a hairsbreadth away from suicide and depression if some calamity or a series of tragedies overcome us.  For those who have enjoyed great honor, adulation, fame and wealth losing it can be more unbearable than many ordinary people who have walked the middle path can imagine. being .judgmental about another persons state of mind is unfair especially since we do not know what they have to face and what the tragedies and challenges in their life may be..so our Swami K  urged us to always have compassion and to serve others with Love and Faith and render selfless service to those we can....The Life of Sri Sarada Ma and her simple lessons of deep wisdom and spirituality are a worthy lesson to the world that tries to `Psycho analyse' the minds of those are walking through a dark tunnel but can be led to " Light and Happiness" with Love....compassion and understanding......

Cheers!: Here is a Picture that appeared in the Indian News Paper The Deccan Herald

A Muslim mother  in India with her son dressed like Sri Krishna the Hindu child God or Hindu baby " Krist"...They walk through the streets in peace..Religious harmony brings us closer to God and truth ..Not fundamentalism.