The Book vs the Library

In another one-sided debate between the 'cultured' and the 'non cultured' the non-cultured tried to bring in the flaws which exist in the books of Sanatan Culture. The later asked the former to denounce Manu Smriti as it contained discriminatory passages and verses relating to the castes systems and entitlements for selective few among other things. In fact, the former was totally nonplussed and instantly called out that he openly denounces such verses and does not believe in those. But he was hardly heard, and his statements were drowsed in vehement illogical repeated rambling by the later on the same thing. But why was this guy rambling and what he was trying to drown. In the same sentence of denouncing Manus Smriti, the former also asked whether the later would denounce discriminatory content of latter's faith's heavenly book. But this is no ordinary book. This book is a prescription by a 'doctor' which is 'supposed' to keep one 'healthy' (which is open to debate). If a doctor prescribes a medication (or a book of medications) to 'supposedly' keep you healthy, will you follow it or not?

It's important to realize that how Sanatan Dharma is different from the Abrahamic Faiths. Sanatan Dharma can be construed to be equivalent to a library which contains umpteen number of books whereas the Abrahamic ones have codified verses or tablets which can't be touched by mortals. For Sanatan all the books are open to interpretation, you can follow them or ignore them, you are open to interpret it your own way if you really want to reform the Sanatan system, you can also publish your own versions which am sure future generations will see as an offshoot from the same library. Of course, no system is perfect, and no library stagnates. A library has to keep on updating its bookshelves with the latest content, writings on new thoughts. 

The Sanatan has been successful in doing so and it will continue on the same vein. Its journey through books had to face the sword but now it has overcome it and developed its own defense mechanism as you can see with a more hardline school of thought emerging in the Hindu fold over the mid of the last century. But that has not stopped even a liberal 'school of thought' emerging within the Santana ecosystem denouncing this hardline school. So, our Santan Library is also open to accommodate contrarian thoughts. But what about the followers of the Books? There has been reformation in a religion during the Middle Ages and modern European and America societies have eschewed the practice of towing to the line of book but that can't be said about some of the other dominant ones. 

From LKY

LKY is a compelling mind when talking about religious extremism and minces no words with his calm and lucid explanation. Listening to him is like listening to a philosopher who has though deep into a subject. 

One of his important observations about SE Asian Islam talks about how the religion spread through the commerce route in the region and was able to assimilate some of the cultural aspect and syncretize. No wonder we haven't heard much of temples being destroyed in the countries there. In fact, some of the important Hindu and Buddhist UNESCO heritage sites are found in Indonesia. What LKY does raise concern about is the information age is levelling the playing fields for likes of Wahhabism, Jehadi mindset which is finding fertile grounds in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. He emphasized that earlier the Muslims in the region were relaxed but increased exposure to Social Network is ensnaring the gullible Muslims into the radical trap.

There are important lessons in his sermons which ought to be spread in the world especially for his views on social aspects, culture and religion and how changing dynamics of the world affect these fundamental moorings.

How we can understand Hinduism

We have a world where their numerous rivers some Criss crossing each other which end up in the ocean.

Hinduism or Sanatan Dharm is like an Ocean where lot of rivers dispense. Either one can be latched onto these rivers or progress to stay near the ocean. Any which way they are connected to the one or many constituents which fall into the ocean. Moving upstream is a choice till they are connected to riverways with an eventual end point to the ocean. Also, the rivers are controlled by externalities which creates the flow of the river of right from the point of origination - Oceans create clouds by process of evaporation with oceanic winds carrying the moisture causing rains which help in the origination or swell of rivers.

Then there are rivers which have been dammed and not a temporary one but dammed for life with may be a tiny rivulet flowing after the dam. These hold water in the reservoir and condemned to the reservoir. Sometimes these reservoirs become so big and inundate was swathes of areas that they might go into the area of other rivers and obstruct their flow. These are the religions which confirm to books or tablets.

It's important to draw that in the former also there might be smaller dams built which might impact the flow and causing regression in the area (read society). But eventually the unifying force of nature which asks it to confirm to the order as prescribed by the dharma of sustenance of nature will force these dams to break eventually i.e. if not people realize by themselves. The same might be also wrought upon the bigger dams which might cause these big but 'limited' school of thoughts break suddenly. 

The eternal order has its own way of returning balance when limits are crossed.

Mind the climate change. Destroyers of dynasties

An interesting bit from Dan Jones's Power of Thrones. Climate change was one of the chief reasons for destruction of Roman Empire. We all know that it was the Goths and its offshoots who were eventually responsible for the end of Western Roman empire. But how did Goths arrive at the gates of this empire. As per the books it had to do with the Huns, who also had famous run ins with the Roman Empire. The Huns were nomadic pastorals who inhabited the central Asian steppes. Destruction of livestock due to years of severe climate forced them to move westwards which disrupted the goths who were present in the areas bordering the Roman empire. This bought in conflict between the two and Huns were able to assert which forced the equally warlike Goths further into Roman territories. Initially they were accommodated and then over further periods there were turbulences here and there which eventually manifested into trouble for the Romans. Mind you this happened over decades and centuries.

Corollaries maybe also found in case there is proper research done on Tukic hordes invading the subcontinent which may also be due scarcity factor attributed due to climate change. It is also important to note that most of these tribes like Huns, Goths, Turks originated or were present in the Central Asian region where the climates may not be as predictable as in the rest of the settled world at that time. But in an important lesson is that the same might cause destruction of modern nations if once can analyze the contemporary times. What if waves of cyclones inundate low lying areas of Bangladesh, what can incessant flooding of Indus in Pakistan lead to. Such incident s can cause mass displacement especially for the weaker section of the countries. And with the government usually out of option or even paralyzed in such situations won't mind offloading its population at the expense of the richer and so-called accommodating neighbor (as the liberals like to call our country and not that we have problem of our own). So, it's not only the social aspects like unstable governments, the religious zealots, terrorist in the neighborhood who we should be mindful of. The climate may throw a surprise which can further amplify the social reasons.

Who is under threat from the Jihadis!!

Raw Swarup mentions in one of his books that is Islam a religion which was formed in a fevered state of mind or was it begotten in a tranquil setting. And did the subjugated (where they?) people of Arabia had suddenly found a Symbol to enshrine in their banner similar to that of the Cross to fight the Byzantine and Persian rulers. No matter what it spread fairly quickly unlike the religions of the east in India and China which went through years of evolution, metamorphosis even if some of the religion like Shaivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Jainism was propounded and expanded by warrior kings and conquerors. This evolution and metamorphosis were more so the result of the meditating rishis, travelling monks, debating hermits and acharyas who helped fine tune the essence of these religions. There were Shaiv's and Vaishnav's who lived under Buddhists kings and same was also true for vice versa. The straw that broke the camel's back was its inability to suddenly counter the torrent of the imperial Islamic conqueror who only knew the way of the sword. And o even centuries it lives in the collective consciousness of today's population about the cloth it can adorn (and which it sometime does)) in today's modern world which can harken it back to the Middle Ages.

The Jihadis and Islamists who are subset of today's Islamic world form a seemingly threat which has constantly questioned whether the democratic society of today can accommodate its medieval principles which don't seem to be quelled even with basic arguments. But are they only a threat to non-Islamic people of our society. It is s a no brainer that majority of the Islamic people would want peace, basic income, work for economic growth, look after their family just like any ordinary person. Music and Movies which may be looked down upon and liable to be banned by mainstream Jihadist mindsets is a proof of the fact that how Islam can embody art and prove a creative progressive outlet for the people at large. But then when something untoward happens why majority of this progressive section of Muslim society is silent barring a few exceptions. In fact, they are the most afraid of the radical elements than anyone else as being a co-religionist they will have to face the wrath of the mullahs and madrasa bred jihadist who may be quick to point out their nonconformity to the practices of the book and be branded anti religion or even slandered with blasphemous comments. In fact, there are Muslim actors who clandestinely or some openly worship Hindu gods but don't talk about it often in public as the same may irk their radical co-religionist. Hence their silence in certain situations where they may feel the urge to speak against but may not because incurring the wrath of a segment is understandable and the society at large should also acknowledge this.

A breakaway thought

Why the ruling dispensation still glorifies MK Gandhi when he is actually an antithesis to their ideology. For long MK Gandhi was the prime idea under which Congress tried to unite India realizing the Nehruvian ideology was in wane Post the 1962 fiasco and more so after 1975. At max he was relegated to second fiddle and also an uncle figure to the future generation of kids which was celebrated on Nov 14. A balancing act was thus required rather an altogether total shift as MK Gandhi's assassination constantly comes into discussion whenever the Sangh folks try to glorify him. The Sangh realizes the anathema of Godse which is like a monkey on their back. So, a total shift from the MK Gandhi is out of question. Hence, they have to rally under a more hardline figure like Sardar Patel and literally make his aura SkyHigh. Future generations will be curious and get attached to the stories of Sardar Patel wresting control of dominions and making one truly Unified India which would then occupy greater bragging rights than the independence itself. But still, you have Oct 2 being celebrated as National holiday, which will make MK Gandhi better remembered. Hence the move towards creating that one unified of Indian culture i.e. Ram. In coming days Ram will occupy much greater significance as a cultural and moral progenitor of our continuing civilization. The civilizational continuity will occupy much greater significance than independence movements as ours is a civilization (maybe barring Judaism) that maybe holds remnants of its purest form despite churning out offshoots like adavaitism, shaivism, vaishnavism, jainism, buddhism, Sikhism among others. And for that someone like Lord Ram could be a guiding beacon. And more so even MK Gandhi had famous last lines 'Hey Ram' when he was felled by the assassins bullet.

Cognitive diversity in countries

 Cognitive diversity in organizations is stated as key for success. A project containing a Project Manager from South India, an engineer from East India, a Salesman from North india and similar will do much better than having people from one stated or province working in a project. 

There is laso case in the point of cicket teams of Inda and Pakistan / Sri Lnaka/ Bnagladesh all get brackedted ina a monchromaic hue of either a Punjab-Patha or Sinhalese or Bengali

The analogy of alloys like brass and their varying compositions can indeed be applied to nations with diverse religious and demographic populations in the context of achieving stability and harmony. Just as the properties of brass change with the composition of its constituent metals, the stability and functionality of a nation can be influenced by the diversity and balance of its population. Here’s how this analogy can be applied:

1. Diversity as Strength:

   • Alloys: A balanced composition of metals like copper and zinc in brass can enhance desirable properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, and workability.
   • Nations: A balanced diversity of religious and demographic groups can strengthen a society by bringing in a wide range of perspectives, skills, and cultural practices. This diversity can enhance innovation, resilience, and problem-solving capabilities.

2. Excessive Concentration:

   • Alloys: If the zinc content in brass exceeds a certain percentage, the alloy may become more brittle and lose some of its desirable properties.
   • Nations: If one group becomes overwhelmingly dominant to the exclusion or marginalization of others, it can lead to social instability, discrimination, and conflict. Balance and inclusivity are crucial for maintaining social cohesion.

3. Integration and Interaction:

   • Alloys: The interaction between copper and zinc atoms in brass creates a material with unique properties that neither metal possesses on its own.
   • Nations: The integration and positive interaction between different religious and demographic groups can create a rich, dynamic culture and a more robust and adaptable society. Policies that promote inclusion, equity, and mutual respect are essential for harnessing the benefits of diversity.

4. Adaptation to Changing Conditions:

   • Alloys: Different compositions of brass can be tailored for specific applications, showing how adaptability is key to functionality.
   • Nations: Societies that are adaptable and can accommodate changing demographics, economic conditions, and social dynamics are more likely to thrive. This involves flexible governance, inclusive policies, and active efforts to address the needs and concerns of all groups.

5. Challenges and Maintenance:

   • Alloys: Maintaining the right composition and processing conditions is crucial to ensure the desired properties of brass.
   • Nations: Similarly, maintaining social harmony in a diverse nation requires ongoing effort, including dialogue, conflict resolution mechanisms, and policies that promote fairness and justice. Addressing grievances and ensuring that all groups feel valued and heard is essential.

In summary, just as the properties of brass depend on a balanced and well-integrated composition of metals, the stability and prosperity of a nation depend on how well it manages and integrates its diverse religious and demographic populations. Emphasizing inclusivity, equity, and mutual respect can lead to a stronger, more cohesive society