Whether a creation ever can understand the creator?- Parthasarathy Sundarrajan
The cryptic answer is that the creation can understand the creator only when totally identified with the creator. A simple example could be in an organization, there would be few persons who understand the vision and purpose with which the organization is being run, others who don't understand will complain and get confused as they cannot march to the vision set out. Even though not directly relevant that is what happens to the created. Therefore, the created can understand the creator only when they silence their Mind, forgo their individual identity and become one with the creator who is within all of us.
What is Mukthi? Is it losing our identity in void or in believing as living in everything? Both seem to be same. Is it the goal of life? Why should people aspire to become empty in the name of mukthi? Why not continue to be something for ever, come and go? If getting back to nothing or everything is the goal then why should it emerge out? Simply, getting back to God is the only goal then why should we come out of him and struggle long to get back? Or God created us to work as his tool to accomplish his job, then what is his task? Why? Is he not capable of creating a perfect tool and maintain it fit for his job... Please spread some light! Is it the goal of life?- S. Parthasarathy
Some of these questions arose in my Mind when I tried to understand the Purpose of Life. Even though my piece on the Purpose of Life answered most of these points, let me try and answer each one specifically and directly.
Both (void or living in everything) are one and the same, but once we recognize we live in everything then why bother about the void?
Most of the points gets answered if we understand that the purpose of life is experiencing different circumstances and events. There is no doubt that there will be something for ever, however we don't know what that will be. But the question is if one knows that, does it make one happy every moment of our life. If not why bother about what will be.
Let us examine why do we try and climb a mountain – To see the view from the top? The effort of preparing and achieving gives you great satisfaction, the purpose of coming (Becoming) and getting back (to Being) is to experience the happiness in the effort. Why does a cricketer practice so hard to do well – Because it makes him happy, i.e. the effort as much as the outcome. Therefore since creation is for an experience the primary purpose is to enjoy the experience and not worry about any other goal than being happy and enjoying each and every experience as they arise.
God has created all out of Himself, therefore if He created perfect clones of himself, how would He have different experiences? There could only be robots and not humans with their weaknesses and strengths which allow us to experience in many different ways.
I have tried to drive home the point that the only purpose is to be happy. All other points mentally understood or not do not matter and neither can the mind comprehend something beyond it. Therefore while these questions keep arising what should truly matter is whether we are happy. Once we reach a state of perfect happiness then what we do, i.e. come back or not is our choice.
My inherent character is to create things rightly, which has helped all along in my employment front. Recently, such catalyst activities, though proving results across, not known to superiors. I am also not interested in self-marketing. At the end of the day, it is paining to see me branded as mediocre performer. There are two ways I feel always. Though my conscious is very positive, should I take things calmly and settle down or to make the efforts visible to all.- Ravy
This is always a practical dilemma. It is not easy to change or consciously attempt to change ones inherent temperament (as these are due to past habits or scientifically speaking passed through our genes). However, if such a change is willed circumstances will start building up so as to compel one to change. The choice we have is to happily and willingly embrace that change or complain bitterly about it! But it is equally important to note that the outcome of such a change need not necessarily be always what one wants. At such times it is necessary for one to remain calm (if not happy) and face the situation to the best of ones abilities without ruing over perceived lost opportunities. In the specific circumstance given I cannot understand what harm is caused in making ones efforts known to all ( as it does not harm anyone and if presented well will not be seen as boasting about oneself).
If I found fault whether I have to react or not in official as well as personal. If I found fault with my parents or my husband how I have to react ? In official if I found fault with my superiors/co-workers/down the level - I am an executive in middle level - How I have to react?- Geetha
Again this is a question which all right thinking persons have to face at some time. First the word fault causes negative connotation. Therefore any communication has to rephrase that as an improvement. Secondly when we notice something which we feel can be improved, we have to first determine our motive. If the perceived fault is based on our judgement or in a personal relationship is caused by the fact that we cannot be happy or make the others happy then there is every need to communicate but it may be necessary to choose the right time, language and most importantly explain why one is raising this issue. Similarly in an official situation also, if the motive is to achieve a common goal then pointing out what another person whether junior, same level or senior can do better as long as communicated well will not be seen as finding fault and will rather be seen as total commitment to the organizations' interest if presented well.
However it is important to note that what one sees as a fault need not be perceived by another as being the same. Therefore it is important to understand the other person's point of view before arriving at any conclusion/judgement. The secret lies in the values and motive of the beholder which will be based on that person's temperament. As long as the motive is common interest or the happiness of one or the other communicating about a fault/improvement can only be helpful when done correctly and in an acceptable manner.
Amidst of our worldly actions, to stay in peace and to move inward, we require freedom; freedom to think, act and react. Our society and religion has indirectly imposed on us a culture with lot of restrictions which no other living being has developed. But it is observed; more the human being becomes cultured, the quality of his thinking and his moral values have diminished. Should we do everything based on our tradition and social system, or can we act according to what our inner self say? Would it not help us to rise to a better height?– Arun Kumar V
This is a dilemma the western world has faced and seems to have found reasonable via media solutions. The real key is that what is individual freedom cannot be held higher than what is the society's requirements. In my view (and I may be wrong) religion/traditional methods of life (as different from spirituality) have tried to codify what is the best practices of each times. This does not automatically mean that they are as relevant today as in the past or what is relevant today will be so in the future as well. Ultimately we will act only as our Inner Self wills but unless we identify with our Inner Self completely we can be sure we will reap the benefits (negative or positive) of our reactions to our actions. Therefore before debating whether the past values (moral or any value for that matter) are necessary to be correctly practiced or not, it is better for each of us to start the process of identifying truly with the Inner Self as otherwise any reason or logic we give would be tinged with our temperament or desires only. Once the identification is complete one would realize without His sanction nothing can happen, till then excessive freedom is like handing a wonderful garland (the body) in the hands of a monkey (the Ignorant Mind). We know what will result, however if the Mind is evolving to a higher path then great positive changes does take place and that is how and why leaders/thinkers arise who change the rules of the world without sacrificing the core of our spiritual pursuit.
Does meditation is the only way to control mind?– D Bharani
Like exercise is to the body, meditation is to the Mind. You do not need to control the Mind, you need to realize that you are different and distinct from the Mind. Through the Minds silence only is one able to observe that reality and fact. Meditation is the one direct method to achieve the Minds relative silence, therefore everyone recommends it. If you look at meditation there are so many ways, methods and approaches so I would say each one has to find what suits one but in general meditation seems the only initial step to Self Awareness.
(The writer is the Joint Managing Director of TVS & Sons Ltd., and MD, TVS Logistics)
