Vasudha Jhunjhunwala

“Yatha Pinde, Thatha Brahmande”- What is in one is in the other or as is microcosm, so is macrocosm.

Having read the above in the book called creation (written by Dr. D.K Hari and Mrs. Hema Hari) (Page 52) many parallels of the macrocosm and the microcosm came to my mind.

It’s obvious that the qualities of parents are inherited by their child. Because the micro has emerged from the macro both should have similar properties, isn’t it.  In this sense knowing one can help know the other to a great extent.

A few years back, I got the privilege of travelling to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear research, with Gurudev. The physicists in CERN are probing the fundamental structure of Universe. During our visit, I found myself in a constant state of wonder seeing the size of infrastructure created for research work. A whole township has been put together, a 18 km  underground tunnel has been built to enable particle collision, gigantic equipment have been put together, thousands of people there work tirelessly to discover more about matter in our extra ordinary universe.

Being on the Spiritual path for last 20 years I could compare the thirst in the scientist for knowing the creation, the macrocosm, to the thirst of a yogi to discover the self. Both tirelessly seek the unknown and both are being carried by strong faith in the unknown which helps them take on all the challenges that come their way.

Being on the path I could draw parallels even then. And now after reading this excellent book.

-The concept of creation by many philosophers, sages and the modern scientists explain the concentration of energy or “Hirany

agarbha” or cosmic egg before the emergence of the universe.-They also talk about a force acting inside this egg called Indra and Vrtra , expansion and contraction-And the release of energy – Big bang  or Brahamanda Visphotak- Which finally led to the birth of the universe as we see it today.

(More on the above can be read in the book on creation which is a fine collaboration of thoughts of different schools)

But what I really wish to highlight through this writing are some of the interpretations that the mind can draw, the amazing parallels between the microcosm and macrocosm.

1)To start with when we observe the human body itself with it’s trillions of cells and the nervous system with it’s unique mechanisms we can find an as complex and magnanimous interplay of forces as the universe has.A single cell when seen closely has the two forces at work the positive and the negative just like the Indra and Vrtra was present in the cosmic egg. With a balance or neutral centre – which is described as the primordial state from which this complex universe emerged- or “Narayana floating in cosmic waters” (Pg 22) A cell with its electron, proton and neutrons in the nucleus can be compared to this cosmic egg. It’s the atom, a cell which is the basic building block of the nervous system similar to the Cosmic egg from which this universe emerged.

Just like a small seed ‘Hiranyagarbha” from which this complex universe came into being, from a single cell the entire nervous system comes into being.

2) In the process of birth the embryo in its prenatal state can also be compared to being in the same state of that of Narayana in cosmic waters. In a state of complete rest in a water bag of the mother’s womb. It’s after a child’s birth that his/her sensory organs become completely active. The five senses connected to the panchabhuta  through which this universe came into existence –  eyes/sight with fire,  ears/hearing with ether,  tongue/taste with water,  nose/smell with earth,  skin/touch with air (pg 26)  through which the manifest world is perceived by a child. Thus in the womb the birth process is comparable to the process of panchikaranam (pg 42) and it continues even after birth for a lifetime as it does for this entire universe.

3) The process of birth and death is comparable to the process of creation and dissolution as explained in the book (pg 43). After death the 4 elements merge back in creation just like after each cycle of creation. At such time the primordial elements (panchabhuta) revert in their 100% characteristic and are in their pure individual self.

4)I have often heard Gurudev say that it is one space that permeates an atom and the universe. It’s this space that connects us to the entire universe – The Shiva Tatva  (Story of Vishnu and Brahma page no. 35).  There is no beginning or an end of this space.

The “Anu” “atom” has inherited its properties from the creation. In this sense we are the offsprings of the one. Exhibiting different qualities based on our constitution. “Guna” or the nature of panch bhuta.(pg 68) . Also the Space inside us and outside us is one, which connects all of us. And ths is what the saints have been pronouncing over thousands of years and which is now being authenticated by modern scientists too.

The way prescribed by the saints of our land to know the world within is by practicing meditation. In the meditative state of complete rest we are in union with the macrocosm the infinite space, the shiva tatva.

As the book rightly describes this approach has also been recommended in Ishavasya Upanishads (Pg 81)“This universe and creation is a mix of both the subtle and the gross, it is not enough to understand creation only from internal spiritual perspective or parallel only from material scientific perspective. A good healthy mix of both is essential to understand the Srishti or creation.”

Gratitude to the master for having introduced the spiritual dimension in life and to all the scientists/researchers of the modern world who continue to establish the spiritual experiences with material evidences. Making the journey complete.

The book on creation by Dr. DK Hari and Mrs.Hema Hari  is a fine collaboration of both these dimensions as it is a beautiful blend of the modern and the ancient knowledge. It enlivens the knowledge of the 5000 year old Vedas for the modern world with parallels of modern science.

Like the white light when it passes through the prism creates different effects in the same way this universe is a magnanimous display of that ONE alone.

“Yatha Pinde, Thatha Brahmande”- Knowing one definitely gives insight of the other.

Without the light of knowledge in one’s life, life remains like a directionless ship in a dark sea, lost in unknown purposelessly. This fact was understood by the people of our land since time immemorial and so they gave the name “Bharatha” to our land. Our country India is one in which knowledge has been regarded as supreme. ‘Bharath’- Bha means Light or Knowledge, Ratha means Immersed, Rathi also meaning delight. Bharatha- A Land and it’s people immersed in knowledge, a name given for the quality of people and their land (Extract from Bharath Gyan https://m.youtube.com/watch?index=1&list=PL9QLcyiVla35S_9PUMq0PRuLejVPXZYvu&v=LO8ZMbNqJMk).

The light of knowledge has been carried by the tradition of our masters, by our Guru’s from the very inception of our civilization, from several thousand years to us. Our revered masters dedicated their lives for the upliftment of human beings by introducing to us a broader dimension of existence. They have gifted us great values by setting examples from their own actions.

Human life can be a constant struggle without knowledge.The mind, intellect and Ego have their limitations and are over powered by their own negative tendencies, which the mind refuses to let go. I often say that to train the human mind can be as difficult as training a dragon. Choices can be confusing and one can be surrounded by a constant dilemma of the right and wrong, good and bad, should and should nots.

The knowledge in our scriptures is like a road map that makes our life’s journey comfortable and smooth. But Wisdom remains locked like in secret chambers in these sacred texts until a proficient master reveals it for his student.
And so Upanishad is required. Upanishad means- Sitting close or mental proximity between the teacher and his student- As Gurudev explains- “Knowledge can only flow when a student has faith in the teacher’s wisdom and the teacher has faith in the potential and sincerity of the student”. Without faith and respect in one’s Guru, the flow of knowledge is not possible, It would be like trying to climb Mount Everest being blindfolded, I feel it would be next to impossible!

I often wonder, If I weren’t bestowed by the rare blessing of having SatGuru, Sri Sri Ravishankar ji, in my life how would I have had access to this mystical world. By putting the sutras into simple words, supporting them with examples of today’s world he has proved the relevance of this timeless wisdom for my own life. Gurudev encouraged me to have a scientific approach ask questions and have faith in my own experiences and that’s how he helped me to move ahead from one level to another, step by step patiently.

The unconditional love of a Guru and his infinite patience for his disciple is like the love and care of a mother for her child. So much so that a person without a Guru in the olden times in India was called Anatha. What award can we give to our mother or to the Guru for their contribution in our lives! What ever we give them will be trivial for their unconditional love. But I feel, we through our actions can at least demonstrate utmost respect for this invaluable legacy for our future generation to learn from, isn’t it! Like when I recently visited a friend’s marriage at a Gurudwara and was pleasantly surprised seeing the bride and the groom taking their marriage vows around the Guru Granth Sahib(the central religious text of Sikhism). I thought to myself that it was a tradition to learn from, where Guru was given utmost respect.

This respect is lacking in the world today. Doubts have overtaken faith. And we are not being able to distinguish Sugar and Sand. The Guru principle and the great traditions of masters has often been belittled by the expressions of our near and dear ones, in films, our communication , in writings etc, this is an act of ignorance! And so education is needed. There are a few who have fallen the ladder but they cannot be compared or said to be akin those who have given their entire life for the sake of upholding human values. Who have kept the torch burning and alive even through the darkest night.

As we move pass another dark night when Life faces many challenges from the evils that have cropped up like monsters in the world today. Wrong knowledge and negative tendencies cloud the minds of human beings, driven towards destruction and violence. Today when the world is on such a cross road, its time we need to reflect upon truth, learn and bow down from the past traditions!

Bharatha will truly stand for it’s name again when we the people of this land revere knowledge and the Guru with all our heart . This is a firm belief of a devotee and a patriot.

Reverence for my master for having lighted up lamps of knowledge on my path. Without which my life would remain incomplete, over shadowed by the blinding darkness of the world.

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After 15 years of my daily spiritual practices, I have finally been initiated to the Gaytri Mantra through the sacred ceremony of Upanayan. They said “Upanayan is like a second birth”. I did not quite comprehend the meaning of this statement, until I experienced the depth of this sacred ceremony.

On the first day at the time of initiation as soon as the 1st word of the mantra was chanted in my ears by Kashi Bhaiya, tears started to trickle down my eyes. It felt as if a switch was pressed and I got connected to the infinite universe, instantly.
What’s the science behind this? How does this work ? How did the Rishi’s know so precisely?
Many such questions have filled my life with wonder after the initiation ceremony of the Upanayan.

The next few days of the course was experiencing the infinite energy which got released, from somewhere I don’t know! As if a nuclear reaction had happened inside me, I could not fathom where so much energy was being experienced throughout the day. I was barely sleeping for 4hours still all daily chores were being completed effortlessly. In fact much more was accomplished than regular days.

The thoughts of the past and future are not troubling the mind.The mind is naturally being in the present moments. As if some fine tuning has happened and now the music of life is flowing more smoothly.

Something has changed for sure, what it is, I will only discover as I move ahead with this beautiful new friend, the Gaytri Mantra. I look forward to building a strong relationship with my new friend and look forward to exploring the possibilities of this new alliance in future. Because as they rightly said “I am twice born now” 🙂

 

I have been here too,

                                  standing TALL just like you.

Winds of change have blown and gone

facing them all, this form was born.

  

No avalanche, no storms could ever touch me

freezing cold and burning sun made me stronger, couldn’t crush me!

I have been a witness to them all,

                                                      to be here now, is a divine call.

 

I have seen kings and queens come and go,

                                                                      to no pomp or show did I ever bow.

Will continue to stand here for a million years and more,

 Holding the weight of responsibilities on my robust shoulders, that I bore.

 

 

  Offering my strength to the weak,

providing shade and shelter to the meek.

I rise above every cloud,

my strength makes me humble and proud.

 

 

 

My form may change as millenniums go by,

they may call me with different names, standby.

But I am here too to stay forever,

to die isn’t my destiny, never-ever. 

I will be here too

Standing STILL just like you.

We encountered unexpected traffic while returning on the Western express highway this Sunday evening. It seems some flyover is being constructed because of which such heavy traffic was there. Cars were moving bumper to bumper and I was having to use the break every minute. We were in acceptance and peace inspite of chaos around us. Thanks to the Art of living course which has trained us to accept the moment as it is 🙂

 It was around 7.30pm when we were passing by from under Malad flyover(at a speed of around 20km/h) in a flash of a second a BEST bus came in full speed and almost sandwiched our car, with the flyover on one side and the bus on the other as it wrongly over took another bus. I applied sudden breaks (God’s intervention), if there had been a one second delay, our car would have collapsed into the moving bus. Om namah shivaya, thinking of it still gives me goosebumps!
I felt a surge of anger at this foolish act of the careless driver. Who had just proved with his rash driving that he does not care for the lives of common man.

Instead of letting go (like most of us do, since we are so habituated to take unjust in our country) I followed him. He stopped outside Dindoshi bus depot to drop passengers. At that moment, I took my car ahead and parked it right in front of the bus, so that he could not escape or move.
We were 4 girls in the car – Mrunal, Mamta, Ranjeeta, myself, along with Shashwat. 3 of us got down and demanded an apology from the driver.
Did the driver respond respectfully and admitted his mistake? Forget about an apology, this guy had not slightest of regret about what he had done. He was in complete denial and looked into our eyes as if telling us , ‘What you girls can do to me..do what you like..I don’t care.’ 2 officials came from the bus depot and instead of supporting us they started asking me to remove my car and instead file a complain in the police station.

I was adamant not to move. In the mean time, I called the traffic Commissioner and requested him to intervene. VBI had done a project with the traffic department which was very appreciated by him.  He was kind enough to call the ACP who immediately helped us by sending a traffic cop to help us. The message was posted on the group and in no time 5 of our Hero volunteers came to help -Mandar, Monish,Pratik.. (Pratik was at the celebrations of his parent’s 30th anniversary and was kind enough to drop everything and come).

I could clearly see divine’s intervention at this point .We were only girls with a child but help came in from all directions in no time. The bus depot officials called for police too. A flood of people surrounded us now. The traffic cop was very supportive and helpful. And even the police. Both bashed the driver and did not give in to his stories. By now the driver had realized that he won’t be able to get away with this and he may even loose his job.
He came to me and resentfully apologized.I patiently explained him that his job needs him to be very responsible as lives are at stake. The traffic cop took his licence and filed a complain. As a punishment the driver will not be driving for atleast 15 days.

I sincerely hope that after this the driver and his other colleagues will get a learning and they would be more careful on the roads. Every citizen’s life is important and cannot be taken for granted!
We in India, have started giving up very soon to the unjust that happens around us, we have made ourselves believe we are the chickens in the truck – helpless and unaware! And that is one of the reasons for the state of affairs in our country. We should come together and create pressure groups and stand by each other in times of crisis. Like is said ” Sanghe Shakti Kalyuge”, VBI gives us that platform.  Every wrong action needs to be reported and demanded for justice. When more and more citizens do this we can have a JUST India .

For all of us who witnessed this incident it got further reaffirmed -“Bhakt Kabhi Haar nahi sakta “, a devotee can never lose:)) . As a devotee we are bestowed with infinite strength by the divine. Prayers at the feet of Gurudev, who nurtured us on this path and made us recognize the infinite strength in us.

Jai Hind
Jai Gurudev

– Vasudha