Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, Indian Way and Humanity By Gandhian Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

In spite of not having faith in Godlike Supreme Power, like Jainism, Buddhism has also made excellent contribution towards strengthening the Indian Way, particularly making it dynamic and in bringing the common men to its fold. Especially, the role and contribution of Gautama Buddha, the Light of Asia, who took the Indian Way in the right direction at the time when contrary to its fundamental spirit it was made narrow, cannot be underestimated. As known to all, it was during the time of Gautama Buddha that Buddhism flourished parallel to Hinduism [Vedic view of life] and Jainism, and it deeply affected the lives of millions of Indians. Later, going beyond the territorial boundaries it became the basis of life of many around the world. For the solidarity of the Indian Way as well as the welfare of humanity, the long memorable work done by Gautama Buddha in three directions, accorded him the stature of the Jagatguru-the world’s mentor. Prior to analyzing his long memorable work, it is necessary for us to know in brief about Buddhist philosophy and tradition.

Buddhism: Philosophy and Tradition

As per the mentions in the Buddhist treatises the roots of Buddhism are very deep. Buddhism has been in existence much before the birth of Siddhartha–Gautama Buddha. The names of Kashyap, Kanakmuni, Krakuchhanda, Deepankar, Mangal, Soma and others appear in the Buddhist treatises and they all rose to the stature of Buddhas before Shakyamuni Gautama. There is a mention about one thousand Awakened-Buddhas and Gautama Buddha is one of them. According to the Buddhist belief this chain of Buddhas will continue in future also. Maitray will be the name of the next Awakened-Buddha on this earth.

Buddhism is deprived from the word ‘Buddha’. It is an easily accessible and practical way of life shown by Buddhas [Awakened]. A Buddha develops all positive virtues in him. By overcoming all kinds of negative approaches he raises to the stature of world’s mentor. In all circumstances he remains alert. Buddhatva is the highest stage of man’s development. A Buddha on the strength of his developed virtues becomes the great guru [teacher] of the world, and thus he is recognized as the Jagatguru.

Anyone, after knowing the truth that his life surrounded by sorrows and difficulties is becoming meaningless, through self-control, self-restrain and self-discipline and by following the Samyak Marg [Middle Way], can get through his boat of life. Thus, he can make his life purposeful. Moreover, by continuous practice of good acts he can develop virtues and through them can come out the bond of sorrows or the binding wheel of grievances, and ultimately he can attain the stage of the Buddha.

The Buddhist Way is the simple one. It is possible to be followed by each and every desirous. Without any mediator the one who is active and in a state of consciousness can follow it. An ordinary person, by following those who although in their early lives were also ordinary like him but later on the strength of their developed virtues they obtained Buddhahood, can develop his wisdom to the same highest level and thus he too can reach the top-the level of the Buddha.

Thus, Buddhism brought the philosophy, teaching and tradition out of the realm of hardness and also the state of isolation. Having the spirit of welfare of all nucleus and with a practical approach of equality of all, it broadened and strengthened the Indian Way time-to-time. Moreover, Buddhism made the unique Indian approach of universal acceptance popular amongst the masses. It was, in fact, a great work done by Buddhism not only for India but whole humanity.

Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha, born as Siddhartha, was the son of Suddhodana-the Ikshavaku Vanshiya king of Kapilvastu. He was born to his wife Mahamaya in the forest of Lumbini [now in Nepal] on the Poornima day in 563 B. C. For thousand of years the Ikshavakus were known for their virtues, character, great traditions and dedication to human values. According to mythological mentions the great glorious king Harishchandra and Maryadapurushottama Shri Rama were born in this very family line [Vansha]. Moreover, most of the Jain Tirthankaras were also from the Ikshavaku family line.

At the time of the birth of Siddhartha, social and political conditions at local and national level were very complicated. Common man was victim of atrocities and exploitation. In society there was a great lack of love and sympathy for one another. Competitions and jealousies in their worst form were there in human practices. Householders were under the grip of strives.

People in offices were busy in rivalries and obnoxious competitions. They were involved in making conspiracies against one another.

The religious field had become the centre of achieving selfish motives. Religious practices were made so discriminatory, isolated and arduous that their accomplishment was difficult for the common man. They had become cures for them. Furthermore, they had become the sources of causing increase in sorrows of particular classes of the society.

On the whole the Indian Way was made narrow. At that time, when it was very difficult to maintain peace, Siddhartha Gautama rose to the stature of the Buddha. He, as per the demand of time and space, re-established Ahimsa [non-violence], the supreme human value, in different fields of the society in the form of Karuna [compassion]. It was an unprecedented work of Gautama Buddha. It gave a unique dimension to the Buddhist tradition. Moreover, making the way of human equality simplest and easily accessible on the basis of Karuna he accorded a new life to the Indian Way. As the Indian Way was under the impact of darkness in those days, it was in need of a revolutionary like Gautama Buddha to save it and, side-by-side, to humanity.

Contribution towards the Indian Way and Humanity

Gautama Buddha’s long memorable contribution towards the Indian Way and humanity can be well highlighted in three directions. On the basis of his intensive and highly philosophical research, in the centre of which were the four Arya Satya [noble truth], he put forward the reality of life before human world. This highly philosophical and intensive research was his first and great contribution and in the root of which was sorrow, cause of sorrow, cessation of sorrow and means of cessation of sorrow.

Gautama Buddha explained the tormented and distressed world that sorrow was the bitter truth of life; it was the supreme reality. Birth, disease, old age and death all are sorrows. Astonishment, state of depression and grief are sorrows. Contact with unloving is sorrow; separation from dear is sorrow; unfulfillment of desire and lust is sorrow. Desire for enjoyment, power and wealth and will to live are the causes of sorrow. Desire and lust give birth to the state of struggle, dispute, and conflict; they are the source of the state of strives. They lead a man towards the ocean of sorrows. Cessation from desire and lust is the way of becoming free from sorrows.

For cessation from desire and lust Gautama Buddha established the Eightfold Middle Way, the Ashtangik Marg [i.e. to come out of excessive harshness and extreme simpleness] and said, “This Eightfold Middle Way-Samyak Drishti, Samyak Vaak, Samyak Sankalpa, Samyak Karmanta, Samyak Aajivika, Samyak Vyayama [Prayatna], Samyak Smriti and Samyak Samadhi-proposed by me is the way of becoming free from desire and lust [cause of sorrow]; it is the only true way of cessation from sorrow.”

Gautama Buddha called upon the man to root out the cause of sorrow carefully and with great sense on the basis of the Middle Way. And, thus, making the life free of constrains to lead it on the way to peace and prosperity. This, according to him is the prime goal of human life. He has clearly said that it cannot be justified if the one embarrassed by sorrows flees from his duties in life. Contrary to it, it is good if he in heroic manner traces the source of sorrows and makes him free of them

On the strength of his intensive philosophic research Gautama Buddha accorded unprecedented extension to the Indian Way. It was such an extension which itself proved to be the best introduction of the Indian Way; which is a milestone of this way. Buddhism touched the heights of the spiritual world in his own lifetime. It crossed territorial boundaries. After India it reached the parts of South, Southeast, Central, Middle-East, Fareast, and Northern Asia, and became the director of lives of lacs and crores of people. Simple, adaptable and practical teachings of Gautama Buddha became saviour of man on the one hand and Buddhist philosophy came to be known as one of the prominent branches of the spiritual field on the other. Until today it is established as such.

Secondly, Shakyamuni Gautama’s call for equality in all spheres, including social and religious, and people’s positive response to his call could pave the way for a social change in India. Without a doubt it was his second noteworthy and long memorable contribution. It deeply affected the lives of many people in the world which could be assessed from the number of people following Buddhism around the world. Today, after passing a long period of two thousand and five hundred years, more than five hundred million people follow Buddhist practices in their daily routines. They discarding division of society on the basis of class and caste and respecting democratic values are bringing forward their lifeboat.

Perhaps until today many of us are not aware of the fact that on several occasions Gautama Buddha comprehensively expressed his views on importance of a democratic set up. He firmly called upon the people to strengthen democratic values for their welfare. Although centuries before Gautama Buddha, in Vedic era, democratic institutions like Sabha, Samiti and Narishta were in existence, but the commitment shown by him towards democratic system of governance at the time when social and political conditions were complicated was not a small happening. It was definitely a great and historical event.

In this regard, for example, we can present here with pride an important conversation that took place between Gautama Buddha and Ananda, his most favourite disciple, about large scaled agreement and acceptance-the two important features of a democracy and which include exemplary views of Shakyamuni about public ethics and reverence for women and elders. Doing so, doubtlessly, we can well understand the role and importance of a democratic system for the welfare of the people.

According to that conversation:

“Accompanying by Ananda on the way Tathagata Gautama reached near Vaishali-the capital of the Vajji Union. Tathagata asked Ananda if it was the city of Vaishali.”

“Yes Bhante!” Ananda replied.

“Ananda, have you heard that Vajjis of Vaishali organize public assemblies regularly?”

“Yes my Lord! I have heard so.”

“Ananda! Whether all participate in those assemblies!”

“Yes Tathagata! I have heard this too.”

“Ananda! As long as Vajjis organize full and uninterrupted assemblies, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall.”

“Yes Bhante!”

“And, Ananda! As long as Vajjis coordinate with each other; [they] working in a state of harmony march forward on the way of development, and make [large scaled] agreement the basis of their progress, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall. [And] Ananda! As long as they do not indulge in such an act which is not pre-established [un-democratic]; as long as they reject nothing from that pre-established [democratic], until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall.”

“I also believe so, my Lord!”

“And, Oh Ananda! As long as Vajjis treat their elders with respect, they have faith in them, come forward to serve and look after them; as long as they respect their advice, and to honour their opinion consider to be a part of their duty, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall. …and, Oh Ananda! As long as they do not kidnap any girl or woman, they do not detain any of them forcefully, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall. Ananda! Know this also that as long as Vajjis give respect to holy places of the city and the nation, they have faith in them, extend appropriate support to them; as long as they care for pre-established instincts [Samskaras], and they do not cause hindrance in them, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall. I also say that as long as Vajjis give appropriate protection to Arhats [monks, sages], they defend them, serve and look after them, make arrangement for their safe and peaceful journey and stay, until then there should be a hope of their prosperity and not of their fall.”

Thus, Gautama Buddha, through his conversation with Ananda clarified mainly seven things. Those things were important for the prosperity of democratic system at that time; also they were adaptable in prevailing conditions and demand of that time. They made the Indian Way firm on the one hand and on the other they saved humanity. If those things are applied according to the demand of current circumstances, they can definitely strengthen the system. Moreover, they can become welfaristic for the whole humanity. Furthermore, their relevance and importance can remain intact in future. The seven things include:

1. Sitting together and taking collective decision;
2. Implementation of decision by cooperation of all;
3. Honour of pre-established system and law;

4. Respect of elders and their advice [in this regards Gautama Buddha was of the opinion that elders were comparatively experienced and matured. Therefore, their advice would be beneficial. Moreover, juniors’ respect of elders strengthens morality and ethics in life];

5. No use of force and pressure on girls and women [this clearly reflects Shakyamuni’s wish for woman-man equality and progress of the former];
6. Protection of Dharma; and
7. Respect of monks, sages [which again indicates Buddha’s desire for strengthening morality, ethics and dutifulness in life, and due reverence for others’ views and faiths]

All the above seven things, as mentioned already, are the subject of purification as per the demand of time and space. They convey the message of healthy and pure public life, which is one of the fundamental features of the Indian Way and exemplary for the whole humanity.

Gautama Buddha brought all movable-immovable objects, views and creation within the scope of Law of Change. ‘Purification as per the demand of time and space’ is an indivisible part of this very Law. His call to accept this Law for all-round progress is, in fact, his third long memorable contribution towards the Indian Way and humanity.

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*Dr. Ravindra is a renowned Indologist; he is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Meerut in India

An Interview Of Dr. Ravindra Kumar By Kamala Sarup Submitted By Arvind Mittal

Ravindra Kumar’s Writing On Non Violence

-Kamala Sarup

He is Dr. Ravindra Kumar, a writer, renowned Gandhian scholar, Ideologist and a Former Vice-Chancellor of CCS University of Meerut (India). His articles are marching towards non violence and love. It is the same love visualized by Shakespeare or T. S. Eliot. According to Shakespeare to feel loved, belief towards our self and also being able to know our self might be our life. A lot of love and non violence prevails in his writings.
Ravindra’s writings, therefore, encompass beauty of tradition, which are narrated from a human’s perspective. The meanings of his message are based on humanism. Ravindra’s philosophical characters’ movement of global peace is very beautiful. It is true; love can pave the way for non-violence. When humanity remains in the books, Ravindra may think about life in a different light and there is also a classified definition of love and non violence. Ravindra’s writings are very gentle. He vows for the global peace. A lot of respect to Mahatma Gandhi comes with new perspective and gets new feeling idealistic love. “I always love to write for the people”, he says. “You can make their day beautiful. Only a positive attitude makes a great writer”, He further added.
In his recent Interview, he emphasized upon adoption of scientific approach to thinking and relating to transformation of conflicts in prevailing circumstances and as per the demand of time. He added.
Dr. Ravindra Kumar believes that good writing demonstrates love and companionship. Ravindra likes to work independently and plans to continue his writing. Ravindra is able to show sensibility, patience, mythical, psychological and companionship through his writing. And it is really a great read.
Besides his non violence work, Ravindra writes and edits for many journal and paper, which advocates peace, non-violence, and the sanctity of life. He has published many articles and books on Mahatma Gandhi and non violence. Recently, an editor Kamala Sarup for Media for Freedom has interviewed him about his work.
You have been writing for one decade now on Gandhi, how did you start writing?
Ravindra: It is a long story stating from the days of my study political science at M. A. level. In those days I used to criticize Mahatma Gandhi without any basis. As per the advice of one of my professors I thoroughly studied Gandhi and his philosophy and thus influenced by it started writing on different aspects of his life, views and works.
What for you make a great writer on peace and non violence?
Ravindra: I am not a great writer. I am in the process of learning. At the time of writing on peace and non-violence I feel great joy and satisfaction.
How would you like to be remembered? What is the philosophical ground of your writing which distinguishes you from the rest of the others?
Ravindra: I desired to be remembered as one of the peace worker and writer. Mainly Indian philosophy and way of life are the basis of my writings. What makes me different from others; it is to be judged by others, particularly Kamala Sarup who knows me very well.
What responsibility should writers take to mobilize support from international community and help peace?
Ravindra: Although answer to this question relates to prevailing circumstances, upon one’s ability and sincerity etc., but sound, impartial and problem-based writings can definitely be helpful in mobilizing international support.
What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing for Gandhi?
Ravindra: His own autobiography entitled My Experiments with Truth, which has been written with honesty and clarity.
Do you have any suggestion to make to the emerging generation involved in art and literature?
Ravindra: They must bear accountability in their minds. They must touch issues in current perspective with the purpose of suggesting solution in larger interest.

Nepalese Journalist and Story Writer Kamala associates and writes for mediaforfreedom.com/. She is specializes in in-depth reporting and writing on peace, anti-war, women, terrorism, democracy, and development. Some of her publications are: Women’s Empowerment in South Asia, Nepal (booklets); Prevention of Trafficking in Women through Media, (book); Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in for Media Activism (media research). She has also written two collections of stories.

Senator John Mccain Did What Senator Barack Obama Did Not Do

English poet and metaphysical person, John Donne said it best: ‘No man is an island-‘ John Donne’s Meditation XVII-
For if we want to achieve a goal in life, we need help from those who might be in a position to assist us in one way or the other.

And this presidential elections year saw a democratic political candidate and now the official Democratic Nominee, Senator Barack Obama waste one opportunity to obtain the help that would ensure victory come November. And what he, Senator Obama did not do, Senator John Mccain did, he acquired a female running mate.

During this democratic primaries, Senator Hillary Clinton nabbed eighteen million votes. Sexism and harsh feelings towards the Clintons aside, if you are the Democratic Presidential Nominee, would you not choose Senator Hillary Clinton to be your running mate to ensure that those eighteen million votes are yours on election day?

Apparently Senator Barack Obama did not think so. So when Senator John Mccain and the Republican Presidential Nominee chose a woman, Sarah Palin, to be his running mate, many persons in our midst must have thought this to be a wise move.

Although this does not necessarily mean that Senator Mccain will nab most of the women voters, be they democratic or republican supporters, he just might nab those who still strongly support Senator Hillary Clinton.

For when it counts on election day, it just might come down to this, who knows? Some may see the choosing of a female running mate by Senator John Mccain as being a wise move indeed, whereas others might now look at Senator Barack Obama and think, well, he could have had eighteen million votes on his side, but let it slip by not choosing Senator Hillary Clinton as his running mate.

We will see come election day in November 2008. We will see.

Senator Hillary Clinton Said The Right Things…

During the 2008 Democratic Primaries if someone observed the goings on from a non Obamamania/ Obama fever standpoint, one can see that Senator Hillary Clinton was being pressured by certain sections of the media to do and say particular things.

After losing the Democratic Iowa Primary to Senator Barack Obama, she was being pressured to quit the quest for the White House.

When a substantial amount of delegates and Super Delegates kept leaping to Senator Obama’s side and it seemed that Senator Hillary Clinton’s delegate count was not gaining much momentum, she was being pressured to quit and encourage her delegates and supporters to support Senator Obama.

And on the night of August 26th 2008 at the Democratic National Convention, once again as I watched the New York senator give her speech, a speech that was filled with all the things a Senator Obama supporter was delighted to hear, again there seemed to be a particular amount of that invisible presence of pressure.

For Senator Hillary Clinton verbally not only expressed her support for Mr. Obama, but urged her supporters to back him too. In the end, it seemed as though Senator Hillary Clinton said all the things members of the media and a handful of her own supporters wanted her to say.

Pressure, you say? There is a certain level of pressure involved when it comes to the matter of saying all the things people want to hear for the sake of one’s political party.

That’s what the senator from New York did, she said the right things at the right time in order to save the Democratic party.

Ginobli, Ginobli, Ginobli, How is that ankle, really

When four time NBA Champions, The San Antonio Spurs lost the Western Conference Finals 2008 to the Los Angeles Lakers, some Spurs fans were not too surprised.

For they knew that one of the team’s players, Manu Ginobli was working with an injured ankle. So Spurs’ fans and well wishers drew a collective sigh of disappointment, hoped that Ginobli’s ankle would be properly healed for the 2008-’09 season and moved on with their lives.

And along the way, came an occasion known as the 2008 Summer Olympics. Being the nationalistic person that he is, injured ankle or not, Spurs Guard, Manu Ginobli, again wanted to play basketball for his Argentinian team during the Olympics. So the games began.

If Spurs fans tuned in to watch the contest between the US Dream Team 2008 and the Argentinian team on August 22nd 2008, they must have had a little scare as well.

For Manu Ginobli’s ankle suffered a bit of stiffness before game time. And even though Ginobli scored nineteen points in the game they lost to the US team, many of his San Antonio fans have some concerns.

According to recent reports and the spurs website, Ginobli claims his ankle is fine, but is it really? I guess we will see when the regular NBA season begins later on. We will see.

Sometimes it’s better if you allow an injury to heal properly before putting that part of one’s body to work again. And sad to say, but there are times when no one might want to heed the advisory, especially when you have something as huge as the 2008 Summer Olympics calling on you to represent your country.

What’s a person to do? Say no?

India, Gandhi and Relevance of his Ideas in the New World by Gandhian Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

In the whole world India is a country of its own kind. It is the only nation, which for centuries has been the centre of great attraction for the people of every part of the globe. On the basis of its knowledge and spiritualism, India has drawn the attention of the world. Its cultural values have left their deep impression upon the whole world. India’s prosperity and the way of life of its people have attracted so many to it.

Since ancient times, India has been a centre of a rich and developed civilization. Many of its centres of education and learning have been universally renowned in their respective eras. Centuries before the Christ, India developed several high human values, and on the basis of them it kept its flag flying high. This country has from time-to-time given such world’s mentors, who reached the highest stage of human status, and who going ahead of nation’s boundaries became philosopher guides for the entire world. For their ideas and adaptable practices after passing of hundreds of years, they are still ideal teachers for all-general and particulars. Their ideas and works are capable of guiding the world even in current scenario of the world if they are applied according to demand of time and space.

II

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, gave a new dimension to Ahimsa [non-violence]-an eternal, natural and highest human value, in theory and practice. As the best and true representative of Indian Culture in his own time, Gandhi was a peacemaker’s mentor. Like other mentors of the world who were born from time-to-time on the Indian soil, Gandhi’s ideas and practices became equally adaptable in his own time for lacs and crores on the one hand, and on the other they proved to be guiding force for people of many countries of the world. Particularly, they have provided guidance to those working for freedom and justice. Moreover, they are fully capable to guide the people today in a new world if they are applied accordingly. Furthermore, they will do so in the times to come.

How? Before knowing and understanding it, we need to consider some fundamental points, and in this chain the first one is: What are the ideas of the Mahatma? Or, in other words: What is the philosophy of Gandhi?

In briefest, we can well understand the ideas or philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi in his firm belief in “mutual-dependence of man’s activities on one other” and “unity of human-life”, which is an indivisible whole. In his own words:

“The whole gamut of man’s activities…constitutes an indivisible whole. You cannot divide life, social, economic, political and purely religious, into separate watertight compartments.”

Mahatma Gandhi believed that all human activities, essentially influencing each other, build ways for a life. In this regard, many philosophies also confirm the belief of the Mahatma. Intellectuals are well aware of interdependent development. These ways make the life of humans meaningful and effective; achieving the goal of life such as Truth. The Mahatma called upon humans to come forward in such a manner. He, by doing so, also emphasized upon adoption of Ahimsa [non-violence], which is the eternal, natural and supreme human value.

For Gandhi, non-violence is an active, pure and all-timely value. It is the best means to reach the Truth. In other words, only through Ahimsa human life can be made meaningful with goal achievement; one can complete the mission of his/her life. Gandhi had the firm opinion that except non-violence, there is no other means to reaching a goal. Without Ahimsa, one cannot obtain the Truth. In this regard Gandhi wrote the following while facing one of the issues of Young India:

“Means are after all everything. As the means so the end. There is no wall of separation between the means and the end.”

Non-violence is nucleus in Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas. In other words, his views revolved around Ahimsa. And as mentioned, it is the only means to achieve Truth, and to achieve Truth is the goal of one’s life, or to get completeness of life. This must be kept in mind first of all by those who desire to be familiar with Gandhi’s ideas.

In this chain, the second point relates to Mahatma Gandhi’s actions. The actions he undertook on the basis of non-violence consistently gave new dimensions to his views; they made them firm and mature. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to know the intention which had been in the root of his actions.

Some people believed that most of the actions [if not all], taken by Gandhi were dedicated to the welfare of Indians. Indians were in the centre of his actions in South Africa and India. To ascertain freedom of India and to accord justice to Indians was the prime objective of his non-violent actions. But this opinion is not true. In fact, the welfare of all human beings was the spirit in the root of his actions. And in that context, India was the first place of his actions.

This reality can be understood well through the actions undertaken by the world’s other mentors, including Gautama Buddha who although launched their actions from their own respective countries, but the spirit in the root of those actions remained the welfare of entire human world.

If it was not so, the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi would not have been within the scope of philosophies like “mutual-dependence of man’s activities on one other” or “unity of human-life”.

In this chain the third point relates to refining of Gandhi’s ideas according to demand of time and circumstances of the space. And, this can be perceived well only through the series of events pertaining to three mass actions-the Non-Cooperation [1920], the Civil Disobedience [1930] and the Quit India [1942]-launched to make India free from the British Empire. In this regard Mahatma Gandhi himself has written in one of the issues of Harijan:

“I am not at all concerned with appearing to be consistent. In my search after Truth I have discarded many ideas and learnt many new things. Old as I am in age, I have no feeling that I have ceased to grow inwardly or that my growth will stop at the dissolution of the flesh.”

It is clear that Gandhi’s ideas, in spite of staying within the domain of non-violence, and even while adhering in search of Truth, are dynamic. They are the subject of refining as per the demand of time and circumstances of the space.

III

Two thousand five hundred years ago, Mahatma Gautama Buddha had said on the Indian soil that every creation, and every object/thing-movable or immovable-was a subject of constant change. Besides Gautama Buddha other great men too ratified this reality-directly, or indirectly. But, it was only Mahatma Gandhi, who, after Gautama Buddha, proved this reality directly on the strength of his actions, and, thus, made his ideas relevant during his own life time on the one hand, and on the other he left the legacy of them as guiding force for generations to come.

This is the main reason that even after sixty years of his passing away when the world has changed in different manners, almost all spheres of human life have turned over, and due to unprecedented development a new world has emerged, Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas seem to be relevant; they call upon the anxious world to resolve newly created complicated problems in these days of unprecedented and suicidal progress, and, thus, to lead the world on the pathway to peace. How? It is a question which naturally emerges in our minds. Having a practical approach in our minds let us analyze it!

We are well acquainted of the reality of those inevitable struggles and problems, which constantly emerge in human-world in all walks of life and at different levels. Without becoming indifferent to these struggles and problems we also need to accept the reality of their resolution by ourselves. By doing so in the twenty-first century if we are honestly ready to sacrifice, as sacrifice is a must in the Gandhian way, and with it go ahead, without a doubt we would come upon wonderful results.

For sacrifice firm determination is essential. In it a strong will is necessary. Chivalry is needed for it. This is the call of the Mahatma and it is also the essence of his philosophy in the centre of which is non-violence-Ahimsa.

Without a doubt it is worth giving a thought. There is a need to adopt Gandhi’s ideas in daily practices as per the demand of time and space. And while doing so, there is a need to introspect that without firm determination, strong will and chivalry, no concrete result could be possible. Only by doing so, the significance and importance of Gandhi’s ideas in the new world can be perceived.

Ahimsa is nucleus in Gandhi’s ideas. Therefore, adoption of non-violent means is compulsory in Gandhism. Gandhism calls one to Truth; it appeals to accept the real state of affairs, and without relinquishing self-respect, it urges readiness to compromise. There is no room for destruction of evil-doers. It expects end of the evil. It promotes win-win situation for all the parities concerned, and not only for one party in dispute. It incorporates high morality in it and talks of good, healthy and welfaristic human behaviours. Now, ponder over it whether Gandhi’s ideas and non-violent means suggested by him in resolving disputes, problems or struggles are relevant and capable or not in the new world!

Let us analyze the situation of the new world! These are the days of globalization. Today, not a single country of the world, does not matter how mighty or rich is it, can think of its existence in a state of isolation. And, when in a state of isolation it cannot think of existence, how it can think of its development? In such a situation if a country exploits the people of another country or snatches freedom of it, or oppresses it, then bearing the wide interest of the people in mind and with care, if other countries of the world take the way of non-cooperation with that country, it is not possible for it to endure such an action.

Non-cooperation has its important place in the Gandhian views. It is also an aspect of the Indian Way. But it needs extra care during its application in the international sphere. Moreover, it demands all sincerity. Therefore, if under the leadership and guidance of the United Nations, a symbol of the Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at the international level, any such action is taken with honesty, it will definitely prove to be effective. Also, it will be within the scope of Gandhian ideas.

As much we take the course of non-violent means, as we get ourselves nearer to Gandhian ideas. Therefore, in all situations possibilities of non-violent means must remain. But when all such means fail, for protection of freedom and justice, if least possible violent means are applied in the larger public interest, it is not disregard to the Gandhian approach. Freedom and justice were supreme for Mahatma Gandhi. Therefore, he always advised to protect them if possible by non-violent means and if not by Ahimsa then by violent means. But such violence must be momentary and by heart there should not be an ill will towards the rival. Gandhi’s brief statement, ‘intent behind the act’ much remains present in mind during the course of indulging in momentary violence.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian-born world’s mentor. Great Indian values, particularly the supreme value Ahimsa, were the basis of his ideas. Practically, he desired solutions for all problems through the means of non-violence. His ideas based on non-violence are entirely important in the new world. They are completely relevant today and will remain so in future as well.

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*Dr. Ravindra is a renowned Indologist; he is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Meerut in India.

Is English The Official Language Yet?

When I was a little girl and I heard people around me abusing the English language or speaking in a not so proper English vernacular, I used to silently translate what they were saying into proper English.

Even today, sometimes I still find myself doing this, some habits are really difficult to break, I guess. So when a frequent reader of my columns sent me some information stating that a handful of US Senators voted to not have English as America’s official language on June 6th 2007, I stopped and pondered for a moment. Below are a few of those things I pondered about.

Say, for example you are in a city in which the Hispanic population accounts for major signs and notices being in both Spanish and English or bilingual. What does that say about the society in which you are?

That it caters to those non English speaking foreigners. Because it might be easier than telling the non English speaking foreigners to learn English if they are and want to succeed in an English speaking country.

And while there are a few persons in our midst who might want those non English speaking foreigners to learn English since they happen to be in an English speaking society, it’s also easy to observe how tolerant America is or can be.

And it might be tolerant because it does not want to cause stress and strife to anyone to learn English, if his/her native tongue is not English. Have you tried to fill out a form lately? Or try dialing a number for information about whatever. There are Spanish/bilingual options everywhere, it seems.

Now I do not have a problem with non English speaking foreigners who come to the US and want to speak their native language, but if you want to stay permanently and want to live and succeed here, then you should learn English.

Americans should not have to learn your language if they are in their own English speaking country just so they can communicate better with you. You should want to communicate better with them because you are in their country.

America is probably too tolerant. Try visiting a place like France or Spain and not being able to converse in their official language. They might feel insulted that, even though you cared enough to visit their country, you did not respect it enough to learn a word of their official language.

Mistress, Please

In light of Senator John Edwards’ recent confession to having a Mistress, I thought it would be a good time to inform others who are not in the know, that while in one society, the term, ‘Mistress’ might mean one’s lover, in some older societies it could mean something else.

And even though I have not been or am I presently anyone’s Mistress, here is the importance or lack thereof, of the word, Mistress.

For example, say someone who lives in a Commonwealth or more old fashioned region of the globe encounters a male friend or relative when away from the home front. Say that someone asks the friend or relative something like, ‘how’s the Mistress?’

For in that part of the world, the word Mistress means the lady of the house, or the man’s wife. And people who live there, know that it does not mean his extra marital lover, or the outside woman.

So you see, sometimes things or people are not always what or who you think they are, or it might depend on where you are.

Because in one part of the world, a man’s Mistress could be his outside the marriage lover, and in another, she could be his lady of the house, or wife.

Beijing 2008: An opening by people for people

Computer animation/graphics are great. The video/computer games I play would not be as interesting without such use of computer technology.

So when I decided to set aside some time to view the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics, I did not know what to expect. But a couple of questions did cross my mind. Like, I wondered how much computer technology was going to be used and if so, how unique was the computer animation going to be?

So when the show began, and a large LCD screen rolled out, scroll style, I waited and watched. For what I viewed next was amazing and yes, unique.

Amazing and unique because the display I was treated to did not involve high tech computer images, animation or graphics. For Chinese film director, the man responsible for putting together the wonderful display, Zhang Yimou, did a superb job with the artistry of people.

And it was people, who moved smoothly across that giant LCD screen, danced and drew sketches, with their bodies in an age in which so much is done or achieved by the wonders of computer technology and animation.

For it was people, Mr. Yimou used. I am unaware of how many times those performers practised or rehearsed their moves, but it was a grand show indeed. And one that the people of The Peoples’ Republic Of China will be proud of for many years to come.

Because it was done by people for people.

Just a kite…

Waking up in a world that is filled with people who prefer indoor activities: Video games, two hundred plus channels on the Cable/Satellite TV, coupled with high humidity and scorching summer temperatures, while I was out yesterday, imagine my amazement at spotting a kite in the air.

Just a kite. Blowing freely in the high altitude breeze, and I kept looking at it until it was gone from my view because it was a rare sighting.

Rare because I did not think anyone cared to be outdoors , especially on such a hot day, to be flying a kite. It was a wonderful sight to view.

Just a kite in the outdoors, when you thought most people care about being indoors, fixated on their television, video game, or with those IPOD earphones planted in their ears.

It was a great sight indeed. Just a kite.