Soul, Death and Incarnation

It is amazing the things that happen when we get into a discussion. We had our friend over for dinner today and as usual, we like to discuss things that are not usually discussed say at a Hugely Successful Party. So among the topics we talked off today were theories (yes, they are only theories, no one really has an answer) to the questions of Deja vu, death, reincarnation, soul and God.

After they left, I log online and catch the heading on ChrisV's blog- "what do you believe happens when you die?" Coincidence? Synchronicity? Universe listening in on our conversation? Although I have a few theories which might have a few holes in it (for now I am blind to it, will throw the theory out when I find a better explanation). I would stick with the most obvious answer, either "I would become part of Nature's recycle bin" or "I am not dead yet so I don't know". But for the heck of it let's go into my theory. Before I go further, I need to say this- While you read this, I want you all to remember that none of these views are my own or original. I am not an expert in any of the subjects that I might seem to touch in this blog. These are just my opinions and as you all know... Opinions are a dime a dozen.

These I believe, due to my conditioning. These I believe only because of the culture I was brought up in; because of the people I grew up with; because of religion I was first introduced to and have in my own way remained "faithful" to.

For all purposes of Labeling- I am a Hindu (I prefer- I am human). I do subscribe to the Hindu philosophy. I do believe in God, Karma, Soul and Reincarnation. I also believe in science (does that make me an Atheist?). I say "Believe" because science isn't Static; it changes as we learn more. Most things that the scientists say have to be believed by people like me because we don't have the time to get into verifying the veracity of their research. I have never had a conflict between science and religion, because to me they are two ways of explaining what we see in nature. One tries the definitive process while the other is an indefinite process. I do know from experience that there is a Force that we perceive in different ways. There's pressure, there's current, there's wind speeds, there's gravitation, friction, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields- these are things that we see the effects off but not the force themselves. No one says- "I can collect friction in this shoe box" but they do say "I feel friction". So there exists what we call Energy. Of this I am Sure.

I do believe that the energy that gives us the property of what we describe as "Alive" is labeled the soul. Since I see it as energy, and know that energy changes state, I believe in re-incarnation. For this change of state describes to me the process of re-incarnation. I do think that soul, God and energy can be used interchangeably to express the same concept in a different context. That doesn't mean that "I AM GOD". This is the best analogy I can give- though Ice is frozen water, we don't call ice, water. Though the Pot is made from clay, we do not call the pot, Clay.

So what do I believe happens when we die? I believe that when energy transforms into matter there is a sort of contract that is made depending on the form that it takes(very much like a chemical reaction, there is a definite result, depending on the properties of the chemicals involved but the chemicals are not aware of it or are they?). All activity/action takes place based on this contract; everything from how it interacts with its surroundings to what its understanding of itself is drawn in this contract. Once all the conditions of the contract are met, energy is released from the matter so that a new contract is made or not made depending on the Property of that droplet of energy. So when we die, depending on our soul's contract with our body and itself, we might take another form or not. We might become inert, like say a rock or earth or we might take a living form.

From what I understand of Science and the theory of Multiple dimensions/universes, the possibility of living in a different time/universe, is also a plausibility (Yes, I do love many options, I hate being stuck with just one or the other). To me, heaven and hell is a state of mind when the soul has a form, not a place to go to after you die. All the negativity falls in the hell state and the positivity in the heaven state.

This theory of mine has its basis in the Sankya Philosophy of Hinduism... Here is a little bit of background for it-

Sankya is derived from the Sanskrit word prefix "San" meaning" exact" and the root "kya" meaning "to know". Therefore, Sankya means "To know Exactly". Sankya can loosely be translated to mean "Calculation, Enumeration, Discrimination, Knowledge, Numbers or a Numerical Demonstration". It is a School of Theoretical Knowledge. It is an attempt at answering the question "What is real?" and "How does it all relate to each other?". It introduces the dualistic approach to understanding Reality. The Original theory of Sankya does not ascribe the evolution of life on earth to God or to an Absolute principle, but as a creative process passing through different phases of change and transformation. Hence it is atheistic. Although Sage Kapila is said to have founded the Sankya School of philosophy, Ishvarakrishna, who probably lived about the 3rd century AD, is considered to be the author of a collection of aphorisms called the "Sankya Karika". Rishi Kapila is also considered by some Hindus, as the Father of Psychology.

The Philosophy of Sankya regards the universe as consisting of two eternal realities - 1. Purusha and 2. Prakriti. It is very similar to the Yin and the Yang of the Chinese philosophical origins.

Purusha is described as a principle of sentience, conscious, inactive(akarta) and beyond all Qualities/adjectives. It is silent, unchanging, non-judging spectator, a witness. Purusha is the soul, the Knower, the witness. The Purusha is described as being like a witness to the Prakriti or a mirror in which the Prakriti is reflected.

Prakriti translates to "Nature of matter". Prakriti is active, dynamic, ever-changing, and not conscious. It is characterized by the three Gunas(attributes) - clarity/harmony/light (sattva), activity/action/movement (rajas), and darkness/inertia(tamas) . Prakriti is the unmanifest, primal resource, the sum total of the universal energy that manifests itself in various material forms. Prakriti cannot have life without the Purusha and the Purusha gains form through the prakriti.

When the three gunas - sattva, rajas and tamas - are in equilibrium, there is no world or the phenomenon of space and time. When the Purusha (soul/atman) comes into contact with Prakrti, the equilibrium of the three attributes is disturbed and the creative process (Shristi) begins, when Purusha, the individual soul enters and becomes established in Prakriti. Sankhya does not explain why and how the two come into contact or the reason why the atman, even after it is liberated, will not come into contact again.

Out of this process of unity of the unmanifested Purusha and the unmanifested Prakriti evolve 24 principles,

Mahat: the great principle (1)

Buddhi : the discriminating, reasoning and causative intelligence (2)

Ahamkara : the ego-principle of "I" . It refers to the sense of 'I' that separates one's own self from all others and creates an individual entity. It is not similar to the Western concept of Ego. (3)

Manas : the mind or consciousness (4)

Panchendiryas : the five sense organs-(9)

Karmendriyas : the five organs of action-verbalization, tactility, locomotion, excretion and procreation, (14)

Tanmantras : the five subtle elements or perception of the senses,(19)

Mahabhutas : the five gross elements (earth, water, air, fire and ether)(24)

These evolutes, along with Purusha make the 25 categories from which all matter, in the universe is derived from. Mahat is Prakriti or the primordial nature in its manifested/dynamic aspect. From the Mahat evolves buddhi and Manas. Buddhi is the principle of intelligence or the discriminating awareness. Manas is the mind stuff consisting of pure consciousness. From Buddhi evolve ahmkara or the feeling of individuality and separation and the five tanmantras of sound, touch, smell, form or color and taste.

Source : 1. Classical Indian Philosophy by J. N. Mohanty

2. Various websites on Hindu Darshana

That is what I believe. I haven't said anything that someone, somewhere, sometime hasn't said. Hope you enjoyed the information.

Have a lovely week...

Signing off to Ponderland

Mithuna.

P.S. For those interested in the Sankya Karika.

Changing Constants

Guess there is some something in the air or maybe space( planetary influence?), I have been reading too many things written by different people about Relationships. That is to be expected I guess, Life is mostly about Relationships. If its not with people, its with our surroundings.

I would love for the relationships I really enjoy to be a constant. I dont mean everything about the relationship to stay constant, I want flexibility within the relationship to be a constant.. does that sound like an oxymoron- A Constant Flexibility? The kind of flexibility that allows us to change while still holding, as we know more about ourselves and others around us.

One relationship that has changed and I cant do much about it(cause it requires this huge effort I am unwilling to put) is that which I share with myself. Yes it does seem odd, but I never claimed to be the most "Normal"(if there is such a thing) person. Over time, I notice things that have changed within me, some of them really good changes(holding my tongue/thought for instance) and some not so good changes(my relationship with exercise for instance). Now, I dont mind the changes for the most part, I am just making observations. The one constant that has been is giggling, I used to tickle very easily as schoolgirl and as college girl and well, that hasnt changed. I am a giggly person. I am amused very easily... Guess I should be glad for the blessing.

The One relationship, I dread changing is the one I share with my kids. I am right now their Mother, their guide, their Drill Sergeant, their Safest Guard, their firmest rock, their chest of hugs and kisses, their silly clown at times... and I know its not going to last long. Over the coming years, the only constant will be, that I am their Mother. Everything else might change. On one hand I am glad that they will grow up, find their own niches in life, live up to their potential(hopefully) and fulfill their destiny.. I am also very grateful that of all the people they could have been kids to, they chose us(my husband and I) to come through.

I know, as they grow up there will be things that we may not see eye to eye on, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will make wise choices. Hopefully they will be choices that they can live with. I know that they may not want to confide stuff with us like they do now, so I am hoping I can teach them to make and keep trustworthy friends. I dont know what changes in ethics and values will happen in their time, but I am hoping that no matter what the changes around them, they will always be true to themselves and be able to look into their own eyes in the mirror. Most of all I am hoping that they understand that being happy has nothing to do with how much money or the accolades they get from those around them, but in being able to understand that they have all that they need within themselves.

Some part of my brain says all this could be an illusion, but I love this illusion, so I am keeping it. Hoping this hope of mine comes true and Holds Constant.

With my head in the clouds and feet on the ground,
Pondering as Usual
Mithuna aka Mindsnomad.

Whats On My Mind?

Just read Shailji's blog about the Blogger's Anonymous Challenge. The topic is "Whats on your mind?" before I went to the blog. I am the kind that has a pool of things in my mind.. Apart from clicking the right button to get to the blog, I was also thinking what the most important chores for the day was so its done today, while at the same time wondering if I should take the kids out in the sun and get them baked a little. All this while my mind wanders in places that cant be put on a map.

My mind is usually full of unanswerable questions(at least they are to me), which I usually dismiss cause there's life reminding me to LIVE NOW. But I must confess, for the past week, I have been pre-occupied with too many questions. Things are happening in my life that I wish didnt happen but well, thats life. What doesnt Kill me can only Make me stronger, right?

So heres my Why's thats been going around in my head for the past week-

Why cant Love be a constant, devoid of punctuations, the sinusoidal waves and the drama?
Why is Truth relative to the experience of the person? While it is so.. how can we have the phrase "absolute truth"?
Why cant people come with manuals? I wish I had one for myself .
Why is pain so easy to feel but so difficult to comprehend?
Why Joy is so easy to comprehend but difficult to feel?
Why is it that when there is something to explain, words fail?
Why do words come out when its time to be silent?
Why do the ones you love the most, hurt you the most?
Why is Honesty and Trust such a rare commodity?
Why does what you grasp always get out of your reach?
Why are we Here if for the most part we are Dispensible?
Why is it that at the end of all the things that is said and done, the question "So what/what now?" pops up.

These are few of the Many that are in there, the many that I wish would just dissappear and let me be sane for a while. For now I am going to stop... as the chores give their ultimatum.

P.S. Do not take this too seriously, for this too shall Pass. Have a great day, all you lovely folks .

Peace Always

Mithuna.

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Of mind's meanderings

August 15th is about a month away. The day, 60 years ago,India won its Independence from the British. I sometimes wonder if we won or the British made the decision to leave because it was not economically profitable for their enterprise. During this time, my thoughts like most people, questions the idea of Truth, independence, freedom, patriotism, free speech, rights etc... Things that can be put in the box of ideology.

I have my beliefs. Some of which have been constant over time while others do change as I learn more about myself and of things around me. So every now and then I ask myself a question and try to answer it from the other side of what I believe. For instance, am I a patriot? The obvious answer is I believe I am. Why? Cause I like all things India, from Indian food, to clothing to legends, to epics, to the different languages, the different peoples, the sounds and the colours, the songs, the art, the strength of everyday people in the face of odds, the "ideals" of respect for elders, teachers and nature, the list is endless. Everything that is unique to India is something that gives me joy. So I am a patriot right?

Let's see the flip side of things. There's always been a war in some part of the world, ever since I could remember. So I wonder, if I had to choose between my family and my country which would I choose? If I were married to someone who has the same nationality as the "enemy" in a war that erupted later, what would I choose to do? If my best friend was from the enemy side of the border, what would I choose to do? If I had a dual citizenship and the two countries that I am a citizen of, are at war, what would I do? Tough ones. Guess that's the reason, most political philosophers would sell the idea of "Choosing Country above all" , tying all things of individual life to the Nationhood, that's probably why there is an oath of allegiance... but in dual citizenship it is really a toughie. There is one answer for all questions, an answer that is so easy to say but really difficult to practice- Be on the side of TRUTH.

It would seem cliche' but this was the essence of the Mahabharath (the Indian Epic). To choose what is right to do, to choose Truth. Now for the little background. If you look at the Mahabharath superficially, it would seem like Krishna was an outsider interfering in the affairs of the Kaurava/Pandava dynasty. But on closer examination, Krishna was related to the family. Krishna was Kunti's nephew. Krishna's Father, Vasudeva was the Cousin of Kunti, the pandava's Mother. Krishna was also Arjuna's Brother-in-law, as his sister Subadra was Arjuna's wife. In another Story, there is mention of Krishna and Draupadi (Pandava's wife) being siblings in a previous birth and both remembering this birth and relationship. On the other hand Bhishma Mahapita (literally translating to Great Father) was the Eldest in the clan. He had to do what was right, but he didn't, at least not right according to what was followed at the time. A person who was handicapped should not be king but He did allow Dridhrashtra, the blind one, to be king. The disrobing of Draupadi, the clan's eldest daughter-in-law (a position of great honour) at the Court in session was wrong, but Bhishma was quiet... they say "Mounam samata Laxanam" (being silent is being in agreement). When it reached a brink of war, he could intervened to stop it but didn't. Instead he preferred to do his duty as the King's loyalist than doing his duty as the Clan Elder. In spite of being the Eldest and well versed in all the scriptures, arts and crafts of politics, war, administration and governance, he did not do right, or choose the truth.

During the war of Kurukshetra, Krishna being related to the Pandavas more than the Kauravas, could have sided with the Pandavas but he didn't. He probably did not want to be unfair so he gave Duryodhana and Arjuna a choice... Krishna would not fight or use any weapon against either side but one could either have Krishna as his charioteer or Krishna's Huge Military to fight on their side. Duryodhana chose the Military and Arjuna chose Krishna for his charioteer. It would seem to us, modern day readers that Arjuna was a Fool to have made such a choice, but things were different in that era. In a battle, a charioteer's position was a place of great trust. A charioteer was friend, guide and philosopher for the occupant. S/he(yes, there were instances when a woman was the charioteer) would often be instrumental in strategy planning, as s/he was knowledgeable at war techniques and strategies. A charioteer was quite defenseless in a battle field, for he is exposed to the weapons first. S/he had to be skilled at navigating the horses through the enemy lines, good with reflexes, while being able to judge the opponents move, several moves ahead and courageous without the crutch of any weapon. The only defense was in protecting the Warrior in the chariot by keeping their wits about them and keeping the horses in control. So yes, the result of the Kurukshetra was that Pandava's won and the reason-Truth(Krishna is a divine therefore the TRUTH itself) was on their side.

In today's scenario, with all the media propaganda, with the deceptions that go on in everyday life, with no transparency in between those who govern and those governed, how do we know the Truth? How do we choose the Truth? If we don't know the Truth, how are we Free? Could we make and act in good judgment if we never knew the truth? I really wonder.

Entry for July 10, 2007

I do view Life as a patterned set of Ironies. I think it best explains my idea of two halves making a whole, two opposing views complementing an idea. So, here is the irony of my life- Every winter, I end up feeling too cold for my comfort, feet cold all the time even inside my socks(yeah, the old lady that I am), sleepy all the time and if I am not sleepy, I am hungry( building on the Lard at the love handles), I have to make such an effort just so that I can go through my day and keep my home and kids happy. Then there is the biggest craving of the winter - "Ah! I wish the sun would feel warmer and the days werent so dreary and my plants grew greener and I could live on water and salad and I didnt have to go through the "pulling my hair" process early in the morning when the kids have to get to school on time" So the ever kind and loving Universe grants my wish and Spring arrives - making me all twittery like the birds and loving the feel of the sun and just plain grateful for being alive. Then Summer arrives, now heres the catch- Today its 100 degrees F where I live and tomorrow its going to get hotter by at least 5 degrees. I am already thinking.. "Man!! I wish the clouds would come in and it rains and the weather gets a little colder, so that my plants wouldnt look so depressed and I could make some hot samosas or pakoras and maybe some soup too. My ever wise Daughter, with a really annoying memory listens to me say "I wish it rained" and says "Mommy, werent you wishing for sunshine when it was raining all the time?" Yes, it was time for that "I wish I didnt know this about me" lesson from my kid. I learned that I am just never happy getting what I want. When its hot I want it cold and when its cold I want it hot, always wanting what is not. I am after all a tree when it comes to such matters, so I doubt if I can be trained like a young sapling. So here I am Calling all the inventors of the world - Could we have a thermostat on the weather please?

Lifeboat

Vinod, one of the bloggers I enjoy visiting regularly for a dose of art in my everyday life, has hosted his Second Story from the Picture challenge. I did write for his previous Challenge too. It was immensely enjoyable experience. I loved the many entries as it re-affirmed my belief about perspectives- There are as many as there are people and none are Wrong. This was my entry then. The rules are simple, all you need is your thoughts or imagination. This is my entry for the second challenge. I hope you Enjoy.

Floating on the eddy
Joyful and steady
Keeping our calm
In every storm.

The smoothness of my bow
Cutting the waves below
The strength of my stern
As we hold our own.

Fishing for a Life
Without any strife
With many good Catches
And regretful Misses.

Yet, they do not matter
In the lives we flatter.

Those balmy nights of love
With blessings from above
In the sea's womb
Love knows no Doom
The storms disappear
Calm waters appear.

I watch you watch the sea
And wonder
Do you notice me?
Do you see the illusions,
Behind everyday solutions?

Tired from the journey
I look for a gurney
Hoping for the drop of an anchor
To see the depths I hide.