MAN AND SOCIETY

                                                                        

“Man cannot live in isolation, like a drop of oil on water. He is a product of society. He has to live in it, grow with it and work for it” remarks Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba in one of his Divine discourses. ( S S S Vol X) Man is not only a rational but a social animal. Without society he is a fish out of water. He cannot exist alone without the company of others. It is the duty of man to join others and cooperate in tasks of common interest. Man can derive bliss or ananda in the company of others in society. Seclusion is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of fear and timidity and escapism. Man can learn certain sterling qualities of character through his association with others in society. Morality, justice, compassion sympathy, love tolerance, equanimity and a host of other qualities that build up one’s character can be cultivated through association with other members of society. Unfortunately, Man is selfish and in search of his personal happiness. He does not think that his happiness depends upon the happiness of his brethren in society. Pride, arrogance, ego and lust take him to the level of the beast. These  evil tendencies can be set right by keeping company with the good and the wise.

How can man express his gratitude to the society where he is placed? Is he only a receiver out and out? Man is indebted to society in many ways and has to repay his debt in one way or the other. He has been nurtured and fostered by the society and has to pay back according to his mite. Society is called as the manifestation of Divinity.  It is not just an admixture of human beings.” IT has to be wedded into a unit by consciousness of kinship in God, by sharing of each other’s joys and sorrows. The individual has to manifest through word and deed the ‘ ananda’ inherent in him and in society” says Swami in his Divine discourse. Active participation in society with the spirit of dedication is essential for every individual member. Every act should be considered as an act of worship.  All men should be considered as the form of God! The company man keeps has a tremendous influence on him. “ Tell me your friends and I will tell you who you are!” is a popular saying.

There should be a proper understanding of the relationship between the individual and the society. Questions like this may be asked: “Why should the individual serve others?” How can society have a claim on the individual Sage Vyasa the codifier of our Vedas and the Upanishds clearly lays down the duty of man in society. “Paropa karartha midam sareeram”—This  body is for the purpose of helping others. He further defines punya or holy acts as the help done to others. Papa or sin is to trouble other members in society. “Paropakaraya punyaya papaya para pidanam.”The individual can find fulfillment in society alone. Born and brought up in society, man ends his life in society. Swami says: In the word Samajam (society)’ sam’ represents ‘unity’ ‘aa’ means going towards. ‘Samajam’ means going forward in unity.” Swami compares society to a beautiful  many petalled  flower. Every individual is a petal. All the petals make the flower beautiful. How can there be a flower without its petals?

Society is sometimes compared to a chariot with four wheels. The for wheels symbolize the four qualities namely Unityor (Aikamatyam), Control (Swadhinam), Knowledge ( Jnanam)and Power (Sakthi) These wheels take the chariot of Society forward.

Vedic societies flourished because of the human values patronized by the emperors and kings.King Pruthu Dilipa and various rulers followed the righteous path and societies remained happy and fruitful.  No society can be called human without values. The more human values are followed and practiced the better shall be the society. Mere stress on academic achievement in the educational system will not be enough for the progress of society. It should be mixed with  the promotion of human virtues. There must be an adaptation of our ancient  cultural and spiritual traditions  inherited from the past to the daily needs of the present. What are the five human values that an individual or a society should cultivate? They are: 1 Ahimsa or non violence 2 Satyam or truth 3  Astheyam or non stealing 4  Brahmacharyam or celibacy and 5 Aparigraha or non acquisitiveness as per Vedanta.

Ahimsa really means that no harm should be done in thought, word and deed! Truth in the real sense is that which does not change with time! Astheyamis the quality of non  stealing what belongs to others! Brahmacharya is not merely remaining a celibate but to concentrate on the Brahman or the Supreme Reality! Aparigraha , in reality, is what is called Nishkama Karma- action without expecting any reward!  It is self effacement to the extreme! Unfortunately all our actions are done with self interest and expectation of personal reward or benefit. People have started to bargain with God!!How to become a good citizen in society? One has to seek good company and friends. Seekers and the detached. This way man will be illuminated. Reading our holy scriptures and listening to holy discourses shall influence human mind for good.  it is regrettable that holy days have become holidays  when there is revelry, or picnics or outings or indulgence in sensual pleasures. Fire which cannot be touched receives hammer blows as it is associated with the base metal Iron! In the same way ordinary thread , in association with flowers and fragrance as garland  reaches  women and even God for worship and decoration!  Hence it is absolutely essential that man seeks good company, follow human virtues and advance in society and allow the society to advance on healthy lines!    

PLACE OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY

                                                               

‘All women whether naturally good or not, whether chaste or unchaste should always be looked upon as images of the blissful Divine Mother.” says the mystic saint of Bengal, Sri Ramakrishna paramahamsa.  Women are considered as the embodiment of Divine energy or Shakthi. While the Purusha  or the male is considered as potential energy, the female is termed as the kinetic energy. It is her dynamic role under the supervision of the purusha. It is she that executes the will of the male.  Divine Mother is the Primal Energy or Shakti. She is also called Mahamaya, the great Illusion. She is said to be the cause of creation, protection and destruction. She has covered us all with the veil of ignorance. Without Her grace it is impossible to come out of the illusion! According to sri Ramakrishna, there are two aspects of Divine Shakthi---Vidya and Avidya. Avidya is the deluder, the enchanter that eggs man on to Kamini and kanchana—women and gold. It creates attachment from which man cannot wriggle out.” Woman is not only the housewife but on her depends the glory of the whole country. That is why we say, “This is our motherland.” remarks Dhagawan Sri Sri Satya Saibaba.

Woma plays a multiple role in her family.She is companion and guide to her husband. She is also the first teacher of her childrenShe is the role model for her children in all respects and a guardian of their health and sound mind. Indian culture has placed high esteem on women and given them very high place in society. Names of a few illustrious ancient women are Anusuya,the spouse of sage Atri,  Lopamudra, Maitryi,  Gargi and others. It is she who molds her children so that they may reach their highest position in life. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”  Is the saying that proves the important part played by the mother.The word “Ardhangi” in Sanskrit means wife. The exact meaning is that she is  half of the body of her husband!  According to mythology Lord Siva has given away the left side of his body to his consort Parvathi! That is why that form of Siva is called “Ardhanariswara” –one who is half woman. It is in the hands of woman to make her home a veritable paradise or dismal hell.Woman has tremendous responsibility. She has to bring repute not only to her family but to that of her parents in law. It is like walking on the sharp razor’s edge.

What about the modern woman in society?  They are competing with man in every field of activity. They are everywhere in offices, schools, colleges and factories. They occupy high positions of authority in other fields also. With the advancement of science and technology, desires have increased and they earn more than men. They want to stand on their own legs and wish for a comfortable and luxurious life. In many families both the husband and wife are employed. They have ample money but their children miss their parents very much. Many women are not in a position to adjust with work at home and office. There is neither job satisfaction nor happiness at home. “ The educated woman must utilize her knowledge and skill to bring up her children into  healthy, virtuous and disciplined youths who may be of use to their country, their culture and their community Earning money is not the end all of education” asserts  Swami in one of his Divine discourses. (SSS Vol 10) “ In trying to secure comforts, the office seeker woman achieves only an emptiness at home.”

Women tenaciously champion of the culture of our country and keep a check on the vagaries of the moral behavior of their men. They also inspire men to follow spiritual discipline. They are tender hearted and full of compassion for the distressed and the hungry. But unfortunately, women have started aping foreign customs and habits and in the field of fashions they have even beaten the foreigners! In the name of personal   liberty they have taken to semi naked fashionable dress!  They assert that it is their right to dress as they like and none has the right to question. This is a disturbing trend in the present. Many Indian women bob their hair and even wipe off the  kumkum  bindi from their face!  There are extreme cases where the woman removes her mangala sutra, tied by her spouse to the nail on the wall!. “A vessel of sweetness can be spoiled by a drop of Kerosene. Accept good things from other cultures, the things that help you to control the vagaries of the senses , and the mind, to investigate and discriminate more clearly. ”says swami lovingly to our women! (SSS Vol !0))

Women have a pride of place in society and honored as Goddess Mahalakshmi at home.  she is considered to be the harbinger of wealth and property! She is also called as “Dharmapatni” , the one leading her man to Dharma or righteousness! A widower is not eligible for yagas or sacrifices aod other religious rituals. In the Ramayana, Sri Rama, in the absence of Sita, had to perform the yaga  with the idol of Sita by his side! She helps man in self realization and progress towards God! Women have equal rights in achieving bhakthi, Jnana or knowledge and vairagya or non attachment! Happy, healthy and holy women make the men of the  country ‘ hardy, honest and happy. Prakriti or Nature, the manifestation of God, is feminine in principle. The importance of the female element is recognized from time immemorial .She is the first and Purusha is the next and second! Names like Sita Ram, Lakshmi Narayana,  Gauri  Sankara establish this fact clearly. Modesty is another asset for woman. A woman without modesty is looked down upon in society.” The absence of modesty makes life for a woman, however rich in the accomplishments, a waste and vacuum. Modesty lifts her to the heights of sublime holiness. The modesty of woman wields authority in the home and outside, in the community as well in the world”  says Swami in his divine discourse. (24 10 1965)

TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY

 Teacher is the sculptor who transforms the rough diamond into the scintillating and brilliant diamond! Outside the family teacher isthe friend, philosopher and guide to the student. Cel

ebrities in the world are all shaped by their teachers. It is of paramount importance that teachers and parents and those interested in the progress of mankind should recognize the present situation.The influence of the teacher is always on the student whether he is aware of it or not. Our ancient sages and saints were great teachers who lived a spotless life and were examples of righteous or Dharnic life. Sages like Vasishta and Viswamitra were classical examples of Gurus or teachers who inspired their students in leading righteous lives. What about the modern teacher? Our system of education lays emphasis on degrees, diplomas and lucrative jobs rather than a life of peace, contentment and Love. Educational institutions have become temples of Lakshmi instead of being the temples of Goddess Saraswathi. Teaching and learning have become a mechanical process!

Students are the future citizens of the country and rulers of the nation. The ideals inculcated by the teacher decide the destiny of the nation. The teacher as well as the process of education should cater not only to the intellectual and material advancement but to the student’s moral and spiritual progress. Education should not be for mere livelihood. It should be for living a meaningful life. “students have to be encouraged to ‘Follow the Master”; ( the inner voice of conscience), “ Face the Devil” (the down dragging anti social urges), “ Fight to the End” (until one is able to overcome the inner foes of lust, anger, greed, undue attachment, pride and hatred)and “ Finish the Game” (of life on earth)” counsels Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba in one of his Divine discourses.

                        

Swami says that the teacher and education should make the student aware of his inherent Divinity. It is this quality that confers self confidence and self satisfaction to the student. No academic degree or diploma is capable of doing this. Teacher student relationship should be reciprocal. One should be ready to give while the other ready to receive. Teacher’s responsibility is to inspire and illumine while that of the student is to respond to the ‘Love and Light’.  Swami says, “We now believe that the acquisition of knowledge is for the acquisition of wealth. But this is not right. Just as a bird has need of two wings, a cart must have two wheels;   Man, too, must have two types of knowledge—to live on and to live for. The one helps him to eke out his livelihood and the other rewards him for having lived at all.”

The teacher’s responsibility does not stop with the inculcation of knowledge concerning the material   world.  He should make the students realize that spiritual practice is as important as secular education. Pupils should be made to understand their indebtedness to God for all the benefits they enjoy including the air they breathe and water they drink. Education is said to be the manifestation of the Divinity in man. The teacher has the onerous obligation of instructing his students on the cultivation of the Five Cardinal virtues----Truth, Right Conduct, Love, Peace and Non Violence. The teacher should be the ideal for his student.  By doing this he elevates the student and also the society of which he is an inalienable part. It is the unavoidable responsibility of the teacher to keep a watch on every word and action of the student! The teacher must be the ideal and an example for the student. Women teachers are better equipped than men in discharging their responsibility. Students and children are easily molded by sweetness and softness and maternal love rather than by fatherly advice and admonition .

Importance of spiritual education cannot be underestimated either by the teacher or the student. It is the bounden duty of the teacher to open the eyes of the student to spiritual practices and discipline. “Whatever  job a student may take up, wherever he may be working, he must continue to practice spiritual discipline. Without a spiritual basis, education would be wasted” Says Swami in his Divine discourse. (SSS  Vol 10) Teachers should see that children’s and students’ minds are not polluted by fear and hatred. They should be taught to have open hearts to receive all good things. Thus the teacher has an enormous and very great responsibility to guide and inspire the student in the right direction He should be a Role Model in precept and practice for all his dear students!

THE GOAL OF EDUCATION

                                                                    

“The end of education is character and the end of Knowledge is Love. Education should lead one to humility, which in turn equips him with all the eligibility. Eligibility provides him with necessary material wealth” remarks   Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba in one of his Divine discourses. ( SSS Vol 10) We have to examine if what Swami has said is true at present. Has the system of education ensured the building up of one’s character? Has the acquisition of various types of knowledge resulted in Love for all the creatures? Has the educated individual become really humble? Unfortunately the answer is in the negative! Present day education has become the promoter of greed instead of controlling it. It has thus laid the path for Mammon worship. The end of education today is to get as many higher Degrees as possible and earn five or six digit salaries! The educated person does not hesitate to exploit society and pilfer by fair means or foul. While he is ready to take everything that the society offers, he is not ready or willing to give back to society that has nurtured him for long.

The tragedy of Education today is that it has failed to make the student build up his character. Tradition,  culture,  and the ideals of service to society are either not taught in the institutions or totally forgotten by the students. The aim of education is to offer wisdom which is useless without humility. The peculiarity of present day education is that man is not afraid of vice and sin. The crisis of character is the result of the neglect of this aspect in education!  First and foremost how many students revere their parents? Students should concentrate on their studies alone but not be diverted to other activities and especially politics. They should be strong physically, mentally and spiritually. A sound mind in a sound body   should be his ideal. Modern education must give the student the wisdom that has been gathered in the past. Students should learn skills that enable them to serve society. Present day parents and students firmly believe that acquisition of knowledge is for accumulation of wealth! This approach is totally wrong.

More than money and wealth, Education has much to do with the GOAL of life. The means of living is secondary. Education should turn the student self reliant as well as self confident. It should make him stand on his own legs! Education should instill in the student  courage to stand up against injustice, immorality and falsehood. Education cannot be called complete until the student cultivates the spirit of sacrifice and the virtue of charity. Material pleasures influence man and he craves for a bright future, powerful positions of  authority , carefree and comfortable life! Education is intended for the fulfillment of life. “What we should do is to consider ‘fill-fillmemt’ as secondary  and fulfillment as the primary purpose of education” asserts Swami in his advice to students and on the purpose of education  (SSS Vol 10) Real education should enable man to face challenges of life and bring happiness to all human beings as far as possible. While education has made man technically skillful, and able intellectually, it has miserably failed in developing good qualities. Gross materialism is the order of the day as man is preoccupied with mundane pleasures!

The Upanishads call education as BRAHMA VIDYA”—knowledge of the Brahman or the Atma enshrined in every creature. Real  or true education is to realize the Atma residing in one’s own heart. It is an education by knowing which everything else is known.”Whatever one learns or does not learn, one must, after being born as man, learn about the Atman, for that alone can confer Bliss and Immortality” says Swami in his Divine discourse. (SSS Vol 10) The bane of the present day education is that emphasis is not laid on character and development of virtues. On the other hand success in the world, accumulation of wealth, and luxurious living are vigorously cultivated. Desires have multiplied and greed has taken a deep root. Along with some good things, Science has  brought in terror, unrest and anxiety!

Man has conquered everything in the outer world but lost control over himself.  He has totally ignored and forgotten  his inner world! Why is the education system and the world in this alarming state?  It is because of the absence of the Spiritual content. Man should realize that he is Divine—a chip of the same block. It is through him that Divinity can be exhibited. It is the duty of every individual to work for the progress and welfare of society. Mere verbal knowledge cannot be construed as education. The results of true education are: ’humility, reverence, compassion, forbearance, sacrifice and sense control.’ All these golden traits are not imparted to student in the present educational system.  As Swami says, “Science without discrimination, human existence without discipline, friendship without gratitude,  music without melody, a society without morality and justice, cannot be of benefit to the people.”

ON FOOD

                                                                                 

Food is the sustainer of our body. It is very difficult to live without food. What is the origin of food and what is its importance in our life? According to ‘Ananda Valli” of  Taittiriya Upanishad the sky emerged from the Parabrahman. From the sky came the wind and from it came fire. From fire water and from water the earth came. From earth came the “Oshadhis” or medicinal herbs and from these Oshadhis came food or Annam. From Annam came the purusha replete with ‘annarasa’. The physical body of man or purusha is built with annarasa!This purusha, full of annarasa is none other than the nature of Parabrahman!” speaking on the significance of Food or Annam the Taittiriya Upanishad asserts, “All creatures relying on the earth are born out of  annam;  they live on annam; after death they  merge into annam. Therefore it is true that annam is great and born long before all creatures. It is said that annam is the remedy for the disease of hunger in all creatures.  Those who worship annam as the form of the Parabrahman shall have all types of annam. This annam is taken in by all creatures. It also eats away all creatures and that is the reason why it is called annam

Food is essential up to a point and anything beyond is detrimental .“Ati sarvatra varjayeth” is the wise saying. Avoid anything in excess. Food that we take should be wholesome and satwic by nature. Our tongue is a very dangerous organ and it desires to taste all attractive foods that are taste tingling. We should exercise control over the tongue.”Desist from catering to your tongue,” counsels Bhagavan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba, “ Do not be a victim of Lust and Taste. All your knowledge and experience are useless if you cannot exercise control over your organs. ”Moderation in the intake of food is essential for every person. Not only in food but it is of paramount importance in sleep and exercise. Good food can be taken in moderate quantities at regular intervals. Sleep also should be regulated and not in excess! It is as important as work and food. There are three types of food that we take regularly. They are 1 Satwik 2 Rajasic and 3 Thamasic. Man’s conduct and mentality is molded by the type of food that he takes.

“ Ahara suddham Satwa suddhihi” is the Sanskrit adage. Swami Vivekananda asks, “Why is the lion in the cage so fierce and why is the lamb or goat so very mild? Much depends on the food you take.” Discipline in diet is very important. Radish and drumstick increase sensuality. They are taboo for sanyasis, celibates and widows. Food like greens that offers longevity, strength, spirit , happiness and which has its own essence should be taken. Food with ghee, properly cooked, nutritious , enticing the palate, wholesome and beautiful to view is ideal Satwik food. Excess of salt, chillies and other tasty foods are of Rajasika type. Excessive heat producing foods are detrimental to health. Thamasic food is that which has been stale for four hours. The Bhagavadgita declares that food for the night should not be  prepared in the morning itself. Vegetables and greens that have lost their essence and those without ghee are a taboo. Rotten and bad smelling food should be avoided. Eating food of the previous day is the worst thing that one can do! One should never eat the remnants  of another’s food. This increases the thamasic qualities of the individual. Such persons become lazy and sleepy. One should never eat food not offered to God!

Man must prefer Satwik food to the other two. Taking to intoxicating drinks, he loses balance of mind and allows his passions and emotions run riot. Not only this, his impulses ,instincts, speech and movements go astray. It is no exaggeration to say that he descends to the level of the beast! Meat eating nurtures violent tendencies and he becomes susceptible to animal diseases. While Rajasic food removes mind control, Thamasic food effaces it permanently! “Eat Sathwik food; uncooked food,nuts and fruits, germinating pulses are the best” says Swami in his discourse  (SSS Vol 7) we do not live to eat but eat to live. “Life sustained by food is short; but life sustained by the Atma is eternal. Do not lay claim to long life; but to Divine life. Do not pine for more years on earth; but for more virtues in the heart.”  advises Swami in one of his Divine discourses.

It is said that that the quality food cooked by different individuals has its effect on those who eat it. A very good and honest person had engaged a cook and used to take the food prepared by him. As days went on there was a perceptible change in the character of the man. He wondered at this change that was slowly creeping over him. Bad thoughts came to him surprisingly!  He grew envious and developed criminal tendencies. He could not believe in himself and wondered what had happened to him. He wanted to find out the reason for this change in him. He thought of many possibilities but they did not help him. Finally he knew that it was the food that has caused the change. He went into the credentials of his cook and found to his horror that he was a thief and a criminal before he joined as a cook in his home! The stealthy nature of the cook and his criminal tendencies, have passed through the food that he has cooked, to the  owner of the house!  So good qualities or bad qualities are communicated through the food  cooked by good or bad individuals!