DRAVIDIANS -THEIR ORIGIN

Friends from India,  hope you will be familiar with that primordial prayer, the GAYATRI   MANTRA.  It  is  a prayer, pleading,  begging,  cautioning ,warning   that the  INTELLECT  should not wane. The word  ‘dhee’ denotes the intellect  and is used twice in  that  short sloka. Please also note the  use  of  the word  ‘Savitir’ in that sloka. (The Gayatri Mantra is repeated multiple times in the Vedas, known to us. Once in the Rig Veda (3.62.10), four times in the Yajur Veda (3.35; 22.9; 30.2; &36.3,) and once again in the Sama Veda - (6.3.10.1, Uthharachhikam part))

In the Mahabharatha epic and  Gita  too (which is a part of MBh) there are frequent references to Buddhi  or the intellect. Please look up slokas 42 & 43 in Chapter 3, Karma-Yogam.

The primordial  being   or  man was sharply concerned  about  his  intellect; he feared that  it will wane. And therefore  it was  his daily prayer to that all encompassing effulgence that his and the collective  intellect should not wane , but be sharper than ever.  The above being his prayers what really happened ? Did  his intellect  remain steady ?

Indication from TAMIL/DRAVIDIAN  Experience.

Friends,  at one  point in  time  there was no separation  between the Islamist Jihadis  and  the Tamilians.  Suicide bombings using women and children  and summary executions  were indulged in by the LTTE  a Tamil organization based in Sri Lanka. The mainland  Tamils were also affected by this violence. The bomb blast in  Meenambakkam airport, Chennai and the Rajiv Gandhi assassination can be quoted as examples. As all will admit,  extreme  violence  or propensity towards the same is  an indication of declining intellect.  Our poor cousins in the Pakistan and others in Middle East  and Northern Africa  are in its debilitating  grip. (But they do not realize this)

Long before the Dravidian movement (in S.India) took  shape ,  or before the embryo/seed  of that idea was conceived, the following  was  the description  for the term Dravida  in a Classical  Hindu  dictionary. The meaning   for  DRAVIDA in  the “A  Classical  Dictionary  of  Hindu  Mythology  and Religion Geography, History, and  Literature” compiled  by  John Dowson  and First published in 1879  at London is quoted here . Quote :- “DRAVIDA – The  country  in which the Tamil  language  is spoken, extending  from Madras  to Cape Comorin. According  to Manu,  the people  of this country  were originally  Kshatriyas, but sank  to the condition of  Sudras  from the extinction  of  sacred  rites  and the absence of  Brahmans. As applied  to the classification  of  Brahmans  it has a  much wider application, embracing  Gujarat, Maharashtra , and all the south.” Page 97.

Centuries  before, ie. much before  the  seed of  Dravidian separatism   was sown by the Protestant Christian  Missionary  , Bishop  Robert Caldwell,  the field  was  already  ready  ,to receive those seeds of sectarianism  and  separatism. 

Thus Dowson’s  above entry for the word Dravida is  based on that great  text , the Manusmrithi.

Manusmrithi

Now  Manusmrithi  is  the foremost among our  law-codes and dates much before any law codes known to mankind like the Old Testament of the Bible etc.  It takes into account the diversity  of the population, and allowing  for  diversity and adopting  a policy of  live and let live, Manu , the divine or  semi-divine or human being had set those laws.  Though Manusmrithi is a intellectually rejuvenating  work, it had been set  upon by the Dravidian political parties, inspired by non-native ideologies.  As per the above quoted text from the classical dictionary, let us see what Manu says in  Manusmrithi.

In Chapten Ten, titled by modern scholars as Rules for the Times of Adversity,and  sub-headed  Mixed Classes, the following is mentioned with the verse numbers. “When children  fathered  by twice-born men or women  of  equal class do not keep the  observances  and have fallen  from the Savitri- ( explanation of  Savitri by the translator : the Savitri  verse is frequently  used  as  a metonym [a word, name, or expression used as a substitute  for something  else with which  it is closely associated. For  example, Washington  is a metonym  for the US govt.] - for the rite of initiation, the  imparting  of this verse constituting a  central element of  it.(p.246) , they should be called  by the name Vratya.(verse 20). From a Vratya  of the  Brahmin class are born the evil natured  Bhrjjakantaka, and as per the geographical  location are called  the Avantya, the  Vatadhana, the Puspadha, and the  Saikha. (v.20).  From a Vratya  of  the  Ksatriya class are born  the Jhalla, the  Malla, the  Licchivi, the  Nata, the Karana, the Khasa,and the  DRAVIDA.(v.22). From a  Vratya of the Vaisya class are born the Sudhanvan, the Acarya, the Karusa, the Vijanman , the Maitra, and the Satvata. By deviating from the path desirable/prescribed  for the varnas/classes,  by marrying  forbidden women (same Gotra)  and by abandoning  the activities  proper to them, arise the intermixture of  classes.v.24,. I will enumerate  completely  those who are of mixed origin, born in the direct and in the inverse order  and  mutually connected.v.25”………………In one more place , Sage Manu  has mentioned about Dravidas.  ..  “By neglecting  rites and by failing to visit Brahmins for learning, atonement, yajna, etc , however , these men  of  Ksatriya  birth  have gradually  reached in the world  the level of Sudras v.43, - Pundrakas,  Codas, DRAVIDAS, Kambojas, Yavanas, Sakas,Paradas, Pahlavas, Cinas, Kiratas and Daradas.v.44.  All the castes in the world that are outside those born from the mouth, arms,thighs , and  feet- whether they speak foreign or Arya languages- tradition calls  Dasyus.” (pages 209, 210, Manu’s Code of Law, A Critical Edition  and Translation of the Manava-Dharmasastra  by Patrick Olivelle, published by Oxford)

Inference from Manusmrithi

Considering the sound  Savitur  in the Gayatri Mantra and the use of the similar sound  Savitree  in Manusmriti  10.20 ( in the context of  the Dravida’s) , and both referring to  observance /non-observance of  Savitur/ Savitree  for the  sake  of  sharpening or preserving the intellect intact , it means that  groups of people had forgotten or abandoned ways and means of  keeping the intellect from waning. One such people badly affected is the Dravidan people of modern day TN. Please note that all this is related   to  KARMA,  appropriate  karma were not engaged in  to keep the intellect from waning. And most probably other  karma’s would have replaced the desirable karmas.

TRADE UNIONS

Let us now consider  how undesirable KARMAS  not steeped in justice will  give rise to  new groups/sects  or  race of people. Wrong Karmas are the result of a weak or dimmed intellect.

Now we know that trade unions originated in  Britain  in the wake of the Industrial  Revolution.   Quote from Wikipedia “The origins of trade unions can be traced back to 18th century Britain, where the rapid expansion of industrial society then taking place, drew women, children, rural workers, and immigrants into the work force in large numbers and in new roles.” . That  is, a  new situation arising  out of the organization of work (karma) by new means of machines and capital, led to the emergence of a new class/caste of  people in England called Industrial workers. We  are yet to fathom the damage to  our consciousness  and that to the environment due to the industrial revolution. Infact  Industrial Revolution  is equivalent  to dosha (something bad)  affecting  humankind  like  the imbalance of Vata, Pitha and Kapha  lead to  doshas afflicting the human body as per Ayurveda. So the dosha  of  Industrial Revolution has spawned a new class of workers  called  industrial workers who then formed unions. And further we now have  sub-classes/castes in this like Railway workers  union, Coal  miners  union etc, etc.

This  process of new class or caste of people  originating  due to some kind of wrong-doing (Acts of INJUSTICE or violation of Dharma which are all Karmas) by mankind  is not any new phenomenon, but dates far back intime, ie in the misty past. In addition to Manu’s work  detailed above, look at another account from the Mahabharatha relating  to the origin of  DRAVIDAS   Quote from Adi Parva,  Section 176 (CLXXVI), Chaitratha Parva( Continued.). The events here are those unfolding in the Ashram of  Sage Vasishtha,  where Monarch  Viswamitra , a Kshatriya(before he became Rajarishi)  is trying forcibly to take away Nandini , the divine cow from Vasishtha. The story is narrated by  the Gandharva Chaitraratha to   Arjuna.

Excerpts :- “ Viswamitra replied, “I am a Kshatriya, but thou art a Brahmana,devoted to asceticism and  study.  Is there any  energy  in Brahmanas  who are peaceful  and who have their souls  under perfect  command ? When thou  givest  me  not  what I desire  in exchange  even for  ten thousand cows, I will  not  abandon  the practice of   my order; (ie Kshatriya varna) , I will take  thy cow  even by force !’

Vasishtha said,  ‘ Thou  art a  Kshatriya endued with might of arms. Thou  art  a powerful  monarch. O, do in haste what thou  desirest;  and stop not to consider  its propriety.

The Gandharva  continued, Thus  addressed  by Vasishtha, Viswamitra, O Partha, then forcibly  seized  Nandini, that cow (white)  like the swan or  the moon, and attempted  to take her away, afflicting  her with  stripes  and  persecuting her otherwise. The innocent  Nandini  then began,O Partha, to  low  piteously, and approaching  the illustrious  Vasishtha  stood before  him with  uplifted face. Though  persecuted  very cruelly, she refused to leave the Rishi’s asylum’.

‘Beholding  her in that plight, Vasishtha said, ‘O amiable one, thou art lowing repeatedly  and I am  hearing  thy cries. But, O Nandini, even Viswamitra  is taking thee away  by force, what  can I do  in this matter, as I am a  forgiving Brahmana ?’

The Gandharva  continued, ‘Then, O bull in Bharata’s race, Nandini, alarmed  at  the sight  of  Viswamitra’s troops  and terrified by Viswamitra  himself,  approached  the Rishi still closer, and said, ‘O illustrious  one, why art thou so indifferent  to my  poor  self  afflicted   with  the stripes  of the cruel  troops  of  Viswamitra  and crying  so piteously as if I were  masterless?’  Hearing  these words  of the crying  and persecuted  Nandini, the great Rishi lost  not his patience  nor turned  from his vow  of  forgiveness. He replied,  ‘The  Kshatriya’s  might lies  in physical strength,  the Brahmana’s  in forgiveness. Because I cannot  give  up  forgiveness,  go thou, O Nandini, if thou  choosest’. Nandini  answered, ‘Castest thou me away, O illustrious one, that thou sayest so? If thou dost NOT cast  me of f,  I cannot, O Brahmana, be taken away  by force.’ Vasishtha said, ‘O blessed  one, I do not  cast thee off !   Stay if thou  canst ! O, yonder  is thy calf, tied  with a  stout cord,and even now being  weakened by it !’

The  Gandharva continued, ‘Then the cow of Vasishtha,  hearing the word  STAY, raised her head and neck upward, and became terrible to behold.  With eyes  red with rage  and  lowing  repeatedly, she then attacked Viswamitra’s troops on all sides. Afflicted  with  their stripes  and running hither  and thither with those red eyes of hers, her wrath  increased. Blazing with rage, she soon  became terrible  to behold like  unto the sun in his midday glory.  And  from her tail she began to rain showers  of  burning coals all around.  And  some  moments  after, from her tail  she  brought  forth  an army  of  Palhavas, and from her udders, an army  of  DRAVIDAS  and  Sakas; and  from her dung, an army  of  Savaras. And from  the  froth  of  her mouth came  out hosts of  Paundras  and Kiratas, Yavanas  and Sinhalas,  and the  barbarous  tribes  of  Khasas  and  Chivukas  and  Pulindas  and Chinas  and  Hunas  with  KERALAS,   and  numerous  other  Mlechhas. And  that vast army   of Mlechhas  in various  uniforms, and armed with various weapons, as soon  as it sprang  into life, deploying  in the very  sight of  Viswamitra,  attacked that monarch’s soldiers……..(pages 355-56, MBh.Vol. I, Kisari Mohan Ganguli)

The  above story   is amenable  to various interpretations.  Brahmin Sage  Vasishtha   may  be  compared to the right Knowledge,  and  Kshatriya King  Viswamitra  to  Action , without  thinking and  restraint.  Nandini   may be compared    to the bountiful and benevolent  nature which satisfies the  legitimate  needs of all.   Coveting   such  a  resourceful   earth  for oneself  and  actions  to  make it  one’s own  had  spewed out  groups  of action-oriented   people  with  predominantly  violent   disposition. Infact  they  are the by-product  of  such  covetousness.  Action without  the right knowledge  spells  negative  consequences  for  society.  The above  event from the  MBh and  the laws  in the Manusmrithi   debunks  the  Aryan  Invasion Theory.

Let  us  look at a comparable  Modern situation.  The “Great Game”  between   Britain  and   Russia  contributed in great measure  to the partition of India, and  thus we got a thorny neighbour.    Quote Wikipedia :- "The Great Game" was a term for the strategic rivalry and conflict between the British Empire and the Russian Empire for supremacy in Central Asia.” And  this game did not stop with the partitioning of  India. It continued with the meddling of  internal affairs  in Pakistan and Afghanistan  by the Western Powers   and  arming the Mujahiddeen  against  Russia. The interests of the world powers got wider, and aimed at  controlling  the oil resources in the Middle-East  and  Central Asia. So this led to the origin of  Taliban, Al-Queda etc, which has grown into thorny  trees which the Western powers are trying to root out unsuccessfully. Taliban, Al-Queda  etc, are let us not forget  groups of people, formed  out   of the rivalry between the Western powers  in modern times. From one wrong to another larger wrong,  from a  smaller dosha to a larger dosha,  the  wrongs are thus  growing exponentially.

A  group  representative  of  Tamils ,(?)  the  LTTE   brought to the fore the  violent disposition  of  the Dravidians.   Their  violence  reached  the apogee , deploying women suicide  bombers  as well as child soldiers.  This  led to their annihilation at the hands  of  the Sinhalas.  LTTE    violence  is comparable to the violence displayed  by  Islamic Jihadists  in Peshwar  and  Paris.  Imagine , the  Tamils  or  a  section  of  the  Tamils had reached the brink,  it  was  a close call for  the  Tamilians  in general  pulled  into  the conflict  by  LTTE  who were influenced by  non-native ideologies of  violence   and  mayhem.

The knowledge provided by our Shastras  are in  stark contrast to those of the Modern West. The  above passages derived  or rather  re-discovered from our worthy texts  debunks  Western theories in anthropology,  jurisprudence, sociology,  economics, history, political science, etc etc.  Western scholarship is thus  questionable !!!!!!

Uthhishtatha   Jagratha,   Arise and  be alert !!!

DO WOMEN HAVE A SOUL !!??? OR DO THEY HAVE ONLY 1/350th of a SOUL !!???

Based on the Bible, “Do women have a Soul” controversy doggedly pursues the Western Christian Civilization. NOWHERE in the Bible does it say that God gave women a soul! While the Bible teaches that God created man, and gave him an immortal soul, nowhere in the Bible does it mention God giving dogs, pigs, sheep, donkeys, OR WOMEN souls! Therefore, without souls, they will ALL burn in Hell. There is a hilarious part to this story.  Adam was given a complete soul. Then God tore out one of his ribs, and created woman. Given this FACT, would it have been possible that a 'part' of Adam's soul was in that rib which made Eve? And if so, wouldn't women have a small part of a soul? There are 350 bones in the human body when we are born. Eve was created with 1 rib. Therefore, would it be safe to say there is a SLIM possibility that a women may have 1/350 th of a soul. Though would having 1/350 th of a soul be enough to save them?”  This  kind of serious hair-splitting debates going on in Christian circles. 

(Link :- http://www.landoverbaptist.net/showthread.php?t=11465)

After all, women were inferior creations from the start. Women are fond of self-indulgence (Isaiah 32:9-11). They are silly and easily led into error (2 Timothy 3:6). They are subtle and deceitful (Proverbs 7:10; Ecclesiastes 7:26). They are zealous in promoting superstition and idolatry (Jeremiah 7:18; Ezekiel 13:17, 23). And they are active in instigating to iniquity (Numbers 31:15-16; 1 Kings 21:25; Nehemiah 13:26). It was the inherent weakness of women that led them to be deceived by Satan (Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14). Consequently, women were cursed from the start (Genesis 3:16). There is simply no room in heaven for such flawed and inadequate beings.

 (Link :- http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0500/femsoul.html )

WOMEN - STATUS OF WOMEN IN MANUSMRITHI , THE HINDU LAW CODE

Manusmrithi,  gives us certain broad guidelines in the treatment of women . 

Chapter 3, Verse 55 – If they desire an abundance of good fortune, fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers in-law should revere their women  and provide them with adornments.  

Verse 56- Where women are revered, there the gods rejoice; but where they are not, no rite bears any fruit. 

Verse 57-Where female relatives grieve, that family comes to ruin; but where they do not grieve, it always prospers.  

Verse 58 -When female relatives, not receiving due reverence, curse any house, it comes to total ruin, as if struck down by witchcraft. 

Verse 59- If men want to become prosperous, therefore , they should always honor the women on joyful occasions and festive days with gifts of adornments, clothes, and food. 

Verse 60- Good fortune smiles incessantly on a family where the husband always finds delight in his wife, and the wife in her husband.

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0500/femsoul.html

http://www.landoverbaptist.net/showthread.php?t=11465

TEN THOUSAND COMMANDMENTS FOR WHITE AMERICANS - KARMA CATCHING UP !!!!

Today  is Gandhi-jayanthi.  And Gandhiji reminds  one of the continuity and unbroken flow of Indian Civilization

What is the foundation of our Civilization ?  I may say it with a fair degree of accuracy or should I consider  having hit the ‘bulls-eye’ (?) , when I conclude that, it is our knowledge of Karma /Work/Action /Movement that has  acted us the foundation of our civilization. I wish to distinguish here knowledge per se (ie Brahmam), and the knowledge required for a civilization(samskaram) to come into being.  That our civilization is entirely conceived on the knowledge of Karma is the part I wish to emphasize. Our seers had managed to obtain the ‘blue-print of this universe’ through austerities and penance  in ancient times (pre-historic)and later it was Vyasa who compiled all those knowledge and classified them, because he realized that human intellect was waning. It began showing its incapability of  holding vast swathes of ‘shastric knowledge’ in the form of poetry in  its memory. Thus we consider that Vyasa divided the Vedas into four sections –Rig, Yajur , Sama & Atharva.  But more important than this division into four is its classification(into two) as Karma-kanda & Jnana-Kana. The former relating to action/work, ie actions that are desirable aiming at a singular ultimate objective,  and the later relating to knowledge of that ultimate objective/station. The foundations or  the fundamentals of our civilization can be gleaned from that single text The Gita. (In the case of any civilization, the word foundation is used figuratively. But in the case of a building we consider solid materials like stone, concrete etc as its foundation. But here also,  we may say that the foundation is not physical or material. In these modern times none will dismiss this fact as outlandish,  but as experienced by our seers and also as demonstrated by the practical application of that famous formula E=mc squared, the final fundamental building ‘blocks’  of any solid, is anything other than solid. )

After a gap of about 2500 years,ie. after Adi Shankaracharya, who  had streamlined the scattered knowledge , it was Gandhiji who completely understood about the ramifications of the fundamental(s) of our civilization, in the practical life of our nation and the world.  Of course he did not write any ‘Bhashyams’ (exegesis)  to the Gita, like Shankara, but he took great efforts (not pains) to learn the Gita, and had said that the Gita is not only his mother , but the UNIVERSAL MOTHER.  Quote “ The Gita is the universal Mother. She turns away nobody. Her door is wide open to any one who knocks.” (Harijan, 24/8/1934, p.222)

The Gita is the essence of Upanishads (janana kanda of the Vedas), Brahmavidya (derived from jnana-kanda)  and Yoga-shastra.The first six chapters deal with the individual that has come into being(born) and the karma/actions he is forced to undergo  before his mental preparation (often leading to uncertainity in actions, sadness and depression(despondency) )and how to modify his actions through knowledge, discipline and other means. The Gita clearly states that this cosmos is the result of Karma/action, and ultimate happiness ie bliss experienced in the liberated stage,  is  obtained by transcending all actions. This is the actionless state (ie moksha).  But a individual  cannot suddenly switch over to the actionless state due to some reasons. He will have to perform some actions to wear off the tendency towards action. And while doing action (like a conscious machine) to rub-off action, he should not  yearn for the fruits thereof.

More than anyone-else during his time, Gandhiji had  greater understanding of the wisdom in the Gita. And that had shaped his attitude towards politics, economics and management. Consider his attitude towards machines. He wished  destruction of power driven machinery and mills. (Young India 1921) Not only that , consider his take on credit/debt. This should be of particular interest to all , after hearing that US Govt has ‘shut-down’, ‘downed its shutters’ like a commercial institution.  “ The credit  which is becoming the money power of the world has little moral basis and is not a synonym for Trust or Faith, which are purely moral qualities……..that the greater  the rascal  the greater  the credit he enjoys with banks.” (US enjoying so much credit  with China, Japan and Saudi). “The credit system has encircled this beautiful  globe of ours like a serpent’s coil, and if we do not mind, it bids fair to crush us out of breath………… The deadly coil  has made possible the devastating spectacle in Europe, which we are helplessly looking on.” (Speeches & Writings of Mahatma Gandhi, (4^th edn.) pp. 356-63 )Of course , credit as well as machinery, are not specifically dealt with in the Gita, but it surely falls under Karma, because Karma is done either through mind, sensory organs (an eg through tongue-speech) and body. (or its combination)  The Gita has expounded the theory of karma so comprehensively, that nothing in the cosmos, can escape its fold. The idea or imagination (sankalpa) of credit and machinery  itself  are karmas.

Gandhiji had studied basic science and maths, and had not taken advance lessons in heat and thermodynamics. But he expressed views  like that of a person knowing entropy, which is a topic in thermodynamics. About Modern Civilization which has made life very complicated his thoughts were “ After 18 years of study devoted to the consideration  of the question, I have come to the conclusion that  instead of  there being a change for the better, there has been a change for the worse.” (The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol. X, pp.279-80). The resultant of the collective action(karma) of people of the world was negative , during the 18 years of  ‘study’ done by  Gandhiji. The representatives of various nations constituting the  Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)  recently declared unanimously that human activity/karma is responsible for the experienced climate change from its normal pattern, and that it  poses a threat to lives and livelihood of many. That is the net result of all human karma is negative.

The Gita  in unequivocal terms, declares this fact in Chapter 18, Sloka 48. It states that all karmas/actions  have negative consequences.  In connection with this sloka, supplementing the same or there is even the possibility that independently of the same, there is a sloka in Manusmrithy , applying this real fact to a primary human activity. “ People think that agriculture is something wholesome. Yet it is an occupation condemned by good people; the plow with an iron tip lacerates the ground as well as creatures living in it” – Manu’s Code of Law , Chapter 10:84.

Lot of calumny had been heaped on Manus’s Code of Law , in modern India, but anyone studying the same will realize that our wise sages had tried to regulate the karma/action/ work/ movement  of members constituting society, so that ultimately they proceed  in the ‘centripetal’ direction. That is,  the natural and legitimate destination  of all(men, women etc) being the SOURCE, without leaving none, all should be directed towards that source. This well conceived plan suffused with good intentions could not be understood by the modern mind, who were entirely misled by the theory of hard-work.  Hard-work was associated with Godliness,(Protestantism) and men like Benjamin Franklin popularized the ‘virtue’ of hard work. “REMEMBER that time is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by his labour, and goes abroad , or sits idle one half of that day, though he spends but sixpence during  his diversion or idleness, ought  not  to reckon that the only expence; he has really spent, or rather thrown away, five shillings besides.” From  ‘A Good Conscience, Advice to a Young Tradesman’ , Written in 1748 by Benjamin Franklin. We should take note that Franklin’s period corresponded to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, which ultimately resulted in the decimation of Indian manufactures, which were sought world-wide.

Gandhiji was concerned that power driven machines will increase production (as well as wastage) , thereby throwing people out of work. Well this has happened. He said due to introduction of machines, wealth will be concentrated in the hands of few, because capital is needed for machinery and associated infrastructure and raw-materials. This also  has come true, if we consider  the HNW (High Net Worth) Individuals. There is another face to this picture. Though machines have saved labour leading to unemployment, those who work with machines have to work more hours during these times. Computers have replaced many employees in banks. But those working in the bank on these machines has got their work-load increased. Machines  have thus introduced modern slavery. This slavery is of two kinds. Voluntary and Involuntary. The former denotes addiction to gadgets, games, movies etc. Thus as per our shastras, many thrown out of work due to power driven machinery are not able to do karma. Thus they are unable to wear out the karma-vasanas (or karma) , which is necessary for  liberation. And those working with machines, unwittingly are increasing  the karma,and its negative effects. In addition to spoiling the environment and thus violating other beings,  they also are denying themselves exit from the cycles of birth and death.

It seems, the Karma Theory has wound its way in the initial chapter of the Bible. Are not the images of the  tree of knowledge and the act of eating its fruit, karma related? Is not the story of The Tower of Babel , related to Karma?

TEN THOUSAND COMMANDMENTS

Now coming to the Title of this Mail.  “Ten Thousand Commandments”  is the name given to an annual report published by both the Cato Institute  and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and its author is Clyde Wayne Crews Jr. http://www.tenthousandcommandments.com/p/cost-of-regulation-past-10000.html

He informs that “The exact cost of federal regulations can never be known, Federal environmental, safety, health and economic  regulations cost hundreds of billions of dollars every year-on top of official federal outlays.” An observation from a 2005 report “ Regulatory costs exceed estimated 2004 individual income taxes of $765 billion, and are far greater than corporate income taxes of $169 billion”.  Bossing people around (karma) costs lots of money. Excessive karma, has made America into an Empire of Debt.  Excessive karma is resorted to by Chinese workers to supply America with loans and goods. Which they (Chinese)may never recover.

Even Bertrand Russell had declared in 1930, that excessive work is responsible for the woes of this world. (See his essay in Praise of Idleness). Similarly in India we are affected by  the adverse consequences of the culture of  ‘excess of work’  represented by liberalization and globalization and new management thinking.  We may just take one or two aspects. As told earlier, most employees are doing slave work. Most are not comfortable with their work.  Then the new work culture has made people ambitious & greedy. The corruption cases has increased exponentially. Imagine the direct revenue loss to the Govt due to this  pillage by politicians and bureaucrats hand-in-glove with corporates. Further imagine the money that will have to spent for investigating these crimes. Further add to this the costs and time spent by courts, policemen, witnesses ,the money spent  for shuttling these  criminals around to take evidence etc. And if  all the scamsters are convicted and sent to jail, new prisons has to be built and also imagine the cost of maintaining these criminals. Unless we take heed to Karma Theory and regulate karma, we all will be suffocated to death, because of the burden brought about by excessive karma.

I end with the following words from Gandhiji  “I am not aiming  at destroying railways or hospitals, though I would certainly welcome  their natural destruction. Neither railways nor hospitals  are a test of a high  and pure civilization.  At best they are a necessary evil.  Neither adds one inch to the moral stature of a nation.  Nor am I aiming at a permanent destruction of law courts, much as I regard it as a ‘consummation devoutly to be wished’. Still less am I trying to destroy all machinery and mills.  It requires a higher simplicity  and renunciation than the people are today prepared for” (Young India Jan 1921)

RAPE - WOMEN & EVEN MEN DELUDED BY MODERN ILLUSIONS

Introduction

Of late one gets the feeling that sexual violence and offences against women and children are on the rise. In the absence of reliable and objective historic data, one cannot be too sure about the rate of increase of crimes, and crimes of sexual nature in particular !!!!

The  modern portrayal  of the inferior status of women, in a caste-ridden hierarchical society – A real modern intellectual burden (Ref.1)

Now in this post-modern time, people will tend to think that, with the spread of education and modern means of communication, ordinary citizens are well aware of their rights and are capable of being aware of situations wherein they are subjected to exploitation. The resistance to all forms of exploitation perceived or otherwise,   finds expression in police complaints and other forms of protests, which competitive journalism   brings to the attention of the nation.  The net result is that the consciousness of one who regularly keeps track of national affairs is bombarded with frequent news of various crimes and violence stalking society, making him/her wonder ,whether such incidents show an increasing trend. Since the modern mind  conditioned by Darwin’s theory of  evolution, considers that humankind is progressing towards an ideal state,(Ref.2) it will quickly form the opinion that incidents of  violence and injustice would have been the same, if not more  in the past.  Further the modern mind rationalizes that,  the  figures if any available from the past  of crime figures and prison records , is surely underreported or unreliable , because the people were not clear  or aware about the right or wrongs happening to them, in those ‘feudalistic ‘ period  under ‘patriarchal’ domination and further they didn’t have the required courage and strength to protest  and even if they had protested, it was never recorded/heeded, by those in power. Such protests are believed to have found expression only in folk-songs and similar art-form  of the underdogs. Even in modern times, it is alleged that ,the atrocities against Dalits  and other groups  refused to get registered  as FIR’s   in police stations or are under-reported in the media. Many are influenced by such information into believing that matters like these  were very frequent and commonplace and much worse in the past.

Modern knowledge and ingenuity can only offer the solution !!!!

In any case the modern mind will cling to the belief that the present is better than the past and the future holds much promise. Society is progressing towards an ideal state defined by we humans , and we have the power and the means to shape society as we desire. (Ref.2) Thus by appropriate measures, the particular problem that we are seized of at the moment, ie sexual offences against women and children could be tackled and solved. Thus is mooted speedy trial in law courts and stringent punishment like death penalty and castration. The  justification is that  it will serve as a deterrent , and reduce  drastically future occurrence of such crimes. This is true to some extent, but  existing  death penalty (or 12 years jail term) for homicides has not put a full-stop to such violent events. The victims of such violent incidents  were  not saved from harm by existing  laws and the accused in many cases did not get the deserved punishment. In many cases , corruption at different levels  had caused miscarriage of justice. The same is likely to happen to  any law(statute) that may be drafted in future and its practical administration. It would serve  the public and its women members very  well if they are able to come out of the delusion   that the law, policing and the judiciary will ensure their safety at all times and places.

No option , other than accept the full contents of the  entire package !!!!

If the modern Indian considers that India is progressing as per Western norms and that in the near future it will rival the West (including US) and even China, then he/she will have to take notice of the following statistics provided by Gandhiji , in Appendix II of his seminal work ‘Hind Swaraj’.  (Ref 3 & 4).These figures provide a comparison of  convicted persons in three different parts of the world in 1899. The prison population  per 100,000 of inhabitants  in (a) Several European States put together is 100 to 230, (b) England & Wales  is 190 and (c) in India is 38.The source of the above figures is acknowledged to be from Michael G.Mulhall, FRSS, Dictionary of Statistics, Routledge and Sons, 1899.(Hind Swaraj published by CUP and Orient Black Swan , carry these figures). It has been hammered into the Indian mind that England and Europe were much ‘ahead’ of India in the last half of the 19^th century , in ‘rational thinking, science, technology and standard of living’.  (Ref.1) The above figures also shows that India was much behind in transforming  its citizens into criminals. The comparative figures of backward India vis-à-vis progressive West does not fully reveal the criminal tendencies induced by ‘ progress ‘ amongst the inhabitants   of the West, since the above figures does not reflect their criminal  actions in the colonies    Therefore the  progressive minded  Indian, should never get alarmed or even protest  if India, along with other  indices measuring progress, overtakes other nations in corruption and criminal convictions. That is to say, increasing trend in all kinds of crimes and those against women and children in particular, should be considered as the natural outcomes of the policy of  imitating the West  in all areas, be it educational, economic, political and social organisation.

What the figures tell ?

If the above figures related to crime in Europe vis-a –vis India  provides us with any valuable conclusion ,it is that   material progress  at the cost of  spirituality –ie. values and morals,  is counter-productive.  A couple of weeks back, our PM Manmohan Singh  had announced that to sustain and improve economic growth more economic reforms are needed. Therefore  undoubtedly  the push is for material progress.  Thus it is certain  that crimes in general and violent and sexual crimes against women  will spiral-up in-spite of intensive policing, surveillance cameras in all eight directions per square meter and stringent laws.

Testimony from a source you can trust and identification of one major problem.

Gandhiji had written that ancient civilizations  like Greece, Rome and Egypt  had become  extinct, whereas  Indian civilization  had outlived  so many vicissitudes  through thousands of years and one of the  reasons for its survival  is that it had a system of education  solely with an eye  to the welfare of the people, and based on self-restraint  and Brahmacharya.He felt that a new civilization was passing through India. Neverthless he was confident that  it is transitory and that  Indian civilization will be revivified. He felt that before this new civilization  enveloped us, the basis of  life was self-restraint, but now it is enjoyment. And the result is that people have become powerless cowards and forsook the truth. (Ref.5) – From the Indian perspective Gandhiji is absolutely true. The Engilish meaning of the Sanskrit   word ‘Vira” in the ordinary sense is courageous and manly. But this word carries a deeper meaning and had cast its powerful and soothing light on our culture. A ‘Viran’ is not a chivalrous person who may fight with a lion  or rescues a princess from the clutches of the enemy after performing adventurous acts . A ‘Viran’ is a person who has all his sensory organs including the mind under his control.(Ref.6). Such a man may look ‘effiminate’ in the eyes of other cultures, but  the original Indian education system strived to produce Vira’s out of men  and that is what Gandhiji was writing about.  Men undergoing such learning are unlikely to harm women and children. Therefore one of the main causes for the increased violence in modern society can be directly attributed to the modern system of education. Guarantee of increased indulgence in sensory pleasures translated as upward social mobility (money and status) and means to a livelihood are its objectives. (Ref.7) But even this kind of education is not in the reach of all, many are not able to afford it,  and this leads to disaffection towards the society that promotes such a system. The antipathy towards society is also found in many who had  this modern education, since they are also disillusioned and dissatisfied  at some plane. Further modern education which keeps the machinery of modern institutions well oiled, ensures that more and more women will have to leave the  safety (of what is left) of their homes and  familiar environs  and move far  away in search of career and jobs, making them vulnerable. (Ref.9)The time has now come for women to take heed of Gandhiji’s  criticism of modern education.(Ref.1) (Ref.8)

Time to take a tough decision

The new civilization ie. the modern Western  civilization,  has thrown self-restraint away and preaches instant gratification of  all sensory pleasures. In such environments women can never enjoy security and peace. Therefore the women of this country is faced with two choices. Either chose to move along with this ‘life-corroding’ modern civilization .  (Ref.3 & 4).Co-operate  unquestioningly  with and become a blind follower of all these modern institutions. And undergo the travails and misery thrown up by the same. Or  challenge the basic tenents of this new civilization, discard it and revert back to the ancient Indian civilization. The second  action requires De-schooling, if we  may borrow the term from Ivan Illich. Illich himself feels that the condition of women in Europe were better in pre-modern  times.(Ref.9)  It will benefit women immensly  in thinking that   prevention of the trauma is preferable to  justice for the victim.

Aim of Life as per original Indian thinking  and Laws  effected to realize  that aim.

Human nature , particularly  sexual arousal & behaviour, especially of men,  has to be reconciled with any law that may be drafted  to counter sexual aggression. Manusmriti, the ancient law code given by Sage Manu  had considered the sexuality of humans while  formulating the law of conduct. He  discourages  learned men (in Vedas and its auxiliaries)  and men who have control over their sense organs,(yogis) in closely associating with any women other than wife. He proscribes even learned and knowledgeable men,  from  being alone and in seclusion  with their mother or sister or daughter, citing the powerful nature of sense-organs.   Even the firm resolve of a man of  learning and rightful conduct, could be overcome by the power of his sensory organs, making him deviate from the path of rightful conduct,  (dharma) and getting mired in sin.(adharma) (Chapter 2, verses 214 & 215).(Ref. 10 & 11) Manus Law code was in tune with the “aim of life” of the ancient Indian people. Even the content and delivery of the  educative process in those times were structured, to realize this sole aim. (Ref.12) Life and living were structured around the purusharthas , the ultimate aim of life being moksha. People in general followed the path shown  by learned men.  In that milieu,  men were also  subject to restrictions, and  women were comparatively safe from aggressive male behaviour. (Ref.8)

In this age,  Manus code of conduct for men , is  also applicable for women

Now we are in a different age, Kali Yuga where acquiring &  accumulation of wealth and sensory indulgence without any consideration of dharma or rightful conduct is the order  of the day,  and this life is lived by  both sexes  . Manu’s  wise counsel to   men  for all time to come,  desirous of  sound character and conduct  required for fulfilling the purusharthas  , will have to be followed by women desirous of safe-guarding themselves  in this age ( yuga ). Since noble  ancient values has been replaced by baser modern ones,  they should be wary of their male companions other than husbands and the places away from home. Even at home  it is risky for them to be alone with their father, brother or son or even with their grandfathers.

Does women possess a discriminating intellect ? If yes, they may try to take the non-destructive path, of self and all things connected to self.

With the change in civilizational values, women find themselves in a tight corner. Actually  real values and morality and as defined by our culture  act as a dampener on modern economic thinking and its fruits thereof.  The roller-coaster materialistic  lifestyle based on current economic thinking of progress-growth-development vis-à-vis  the life of simple living, voluntary poverty, slowness (Ref.4) accompanied by peace and security- women will have to choose between these two mutually exclusive views of life and living. Collectively  it is within their power and reach to halter the modern course’ since women constitute half the population. And that can happen only if  women utilize their intellect discriminatively.

A precedence to the absolute effectiveness  and victory of feminine qualities

 Women may take their cue from our freedom struggle. The manly strategy advocated by Vivekananda to arouse our youth in the nationalistic struggle for independence ,did not produce the desired results .He exhorted the youth to go for the three B’s-Beef, Biceps and the Bhagavad-Gita. This was his response to the ‘manly’ aggression of the colonizers, albeit in the same coin. A tit-for-tat response.  But it was Gandhiji’s effeminate  qualities  and strategies, effeminate in the eyes of other cultures and of Western-educated Indians of the time, but part of our popular culture, that immensely helped us to win our freedom  without violence (other than some isolated incidents) and helped  to maintain our society relatively free of violence till this date.(Ref.13)  Still doubtful !!!. Satyagraha, fasting, vow of silence , prayer meetings , spinning with the charkha, non-cooperation, sawdeshi, sarvodaya   vis –a-vis the  misplaced manly  tendency  of taking up arms to fight the oppressors. Contrasted to the plain ‘manly’ violence, destructive of everything including the social fabric in its wake (eg. Violent Fight for Tamil Elam) ,Gandiji’s effeminate methods had touched all aspect of individual and social life in a soothing and constructive way.  Women know thy strength!!!.

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References

1)    NCERT Text, Class 8, Subject :- Social Science, Book Title :- Our  Past III (Part II) , Chapter 8, Civilising the ‘Native’ -Educating the Nation. Pages 95-107 Web page address :- http://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/textbook/textbook.htm?hess2=2-6

2)    ‘What is History’ by E.H.Carr,  Chapter 5, History as Progress, (p.109-132), published by Penguin Books

3)    ‘ M.K.Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj, a critical edition’, annotated, translated & edited by Suresh Sharma & Tridip Suhrud, page 101, Appendix II, Testimonies by Eminent Men, published by Orient Black Swan

4)    ‘Hind Swaraj’ and Other Writings –Edited by Anthony J.Parel, page 120, part of Appendices

5)    The Selected Works of Mahatma  Gandhi, Vol.V, The Voice of Truth, Navajivan Publishing House , Ahemadabad -14, Section V: Religion and Culture, page-234, 31. Civilization and Culture

6)    Introduction  to Tantra Sastra, by Sir John Woodroffe, page 116, Published by Ganesh & Co, T.Nagar, Madras -600017

7)    Alexander Duff(missionary) –Wikipedia-Section 2. Mission in India http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Duff_(missionary)

8)    Gandhi For 21^st Century- THE ROLE OF WOMEN – Edited by Anand T.Hingorani, Published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (pages 2-11)

9)    Ivan  Illich,  Gender  (New York:  Pantheon,  1982)

10)                 Manus’ Code of Law – A Critical Edition and Translation of The Manava-Dharmasastra by Patrik Olivelle,-published by Oxford University Press, Chapter 2, Verse 215, page 106, Chapter 9, Verses 10-12, page 190

11)                 Manusmriti  -exegesis by Siddhananda-swamy in Malayalam, Published by Sri Ramakrishna Madam, Puranattukara, Trichur-680551., page 83

12)                 Bertrand Russell – Essay :-Education & Discipline http://www.zona-pellucida.com/essay-russel.html

13)                 ‘The Intimate Enemy’- Loss and Recovery of Self Under Colonialism by Ashis Nandy, pages 52-55, published by Oxford University Press