India, Its Concept of Peace and Gandhi By Gandhi Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

If we go through the pages of world history, we find India’s status to be unique and extraordinary there. In India, a country of unity in diversity, human activities have been continuing since ancient times. Indians have been filled of enthusiasm. They, passing through the inevitable process of struggles and cooperation, have been giving dimensions to the development constantly. Moreover, by strengthening harmony, one of the most practical aspects of Ahimsa, they have been attracting the attention of the people of the world. And thus, they have been conveying adaptable message of peace to all-general and particular. Many pages of the world history are evident of those who desired peace and in search of it visited India from time-to-time. Influenced by the Indian concept of peace not only Greeks and Chinese, but many others too reached the Indian soil. They stayed here for months and years, studied the Indian Way in which universal acceptance is nucleus and reached back to their respective countries with exemplary and welfaristic India’s message of peace.

Besides Chinese travellers Fa-hein, Sun-Yun, Hien Tsang and I-Tsing, or Greek travellers Megasthenese, Hippalus and Kosmas, many others too from Central, Southeast, Southwest and other places of Asia visited Nalanda, Texla, Varanasi and Vikramshila, the renowned Indian centres of higher education, knowledge and learning in their respective eras. Indian Philosophy, knowledge and universal-acceptance based its way became the source of inspiration for all of them. Furthermore, Ahimsa-based practices of Indians and their goal of achieving peace attracted them the most. During their visits and stay they perceived India’s concept of peace. They went to its depth and found it to be unique and exemplary.

II

Now it is but natural to discern what the Indian concept of peace is. In fact, the roots of this concept could be found in that exemplary approach of universal acceptance which developed centuries ago in India. Doubtlessly, the source of this concept has been the Vedic literature, and particularly Vedas and Upanishads. The development of this concept could also be seen in teachings of those philosophies which called upon the people to carry out their daily activities on the basis of Ahimsa and other values supplementary to it. Moreover, other philosophies too, doesn’t matter if they were developed on the Indian soil or they reached here from other parts of the world, more or less, strengthened the Indian concept of peace from time-to-time in prevailing conditions of the country.

According to the basic Indian concept of peace, or in other words from the Vedic point of view, by peace does not mean something static or perpetuation of the status quo. It has to do nothing with inactiveness. Also compulsion has no place in it.  Rather, peace is an active force. It is dynamic. It offers that force to the individual, which develops the dynamic strength of the people to a degree that will enable to meet any situation. Peace creates enthusiasm in man. It brings a human being out of the domain of individualism and inspires him to do something more. The essence of the Indian concept of peace remains in the reality of ‘achieving the goal.

As I have already said, peace is not a situation of the status quo; inactiveness and compulsion have no place in it. Therefore, it accords courage to meet all those odd situations which emerge at different levels of all walks of human life. It clears the way of progress. Those who try to connect peace with inactiveness and compulsion, or those who take it to be static, they are not correct. Rather, by doing so, they show their childishness. Such people are I have no hesitation in saying neither knows the meaning of peace nor they are familiar with the Indian concept pertaining to it.

According to the Indian concept of peace individual is basic source of its creation and development. In other words, human being is the first centre of peace. That is why, activities, behaviours and practices of man are firstly responsible for the creation and development of peace. Thereafter, from individual to community-level is its furthering step. This very process has possibilities to further advancement and success in all circumstances. Therefore, from community-level to social-level and from national to international level this process can step-by-step achieve the set goal. Eventually, the great idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which occupies the foremost place in Indian philosophy and the way, and which itself is the best dimension in the process of peace, can be feasible.

Those who hold basic knowledge of Indian philosophy, they are well aware of the fact that this philosophy makes Karmas [deeds] of a human being the basis of his fall and rise. A human being receives Fala [fruits], bad or good, according to his Karmas. The Indian concept of peace too can be seen by connecting it with this idea of deeds and fruits of Indian philosophy. As it known to all, human being has been accepted the centre of deeds by almost all branches of Indian philosophy-Vedic-Hindu, Jain, Boddh and Sikh. True and virtuous deeds of a human being create peace. They develop it and categorically and continuously grant extensions to its process. These very extensions are the furthering steps of peace as discussed already.

III

Mahatma Gandhi was one of those great men of world history who were recognized as the true peace-makers in their respective times. As a peace initiator in India he received respect equal to Tirthankara Mahavira, Gautama Buddha and Guru Nanak Dev. At the world level he was also known as one of those who were busy in search of truth and non-violence; whose aim had been the establishment of peace on this earth. He was declared the second Christ by Romain Rolland.

In view of great scientist Albert Einstein he was a man occupying the highest stage in a highly civilized society of imagination. He was fully capable of ending the cruelty by peaceful means.

In view of peace philosopher like Leo Tolstoy Gandhi was the best contemporary committed to morality and ethics. He was an expert of countering inhumanity by high human values.

Clearly, not only in India but in the whole world Mahatma Gandhi was accepted a unique propagator of peace. He became a role model for his contemporaries and the generations to come. Through his peaceful efforts he inspired many in the world. In this regard the enthusiasm and activeness shown by him became exemplary for millions. And without a doubt in the root of that enthusiasm and activeness was Gandhi’s harmony with the Indian concept of peace.

In his individual life Gandhi incessantly moved forward in search of Truth. Constant development of Ahimsa was the means of that search. And it was during the course of that search that he worked for the welfare of the common people which was without a doubt a work for the establishment of peace. It was also a dimension on the way to peace. But, it was his greatness that after doing exemplary work for humanity he neither made any claim over this nor desired a credit for this work. He simply said that he followed that Sanatana tradition of India which inspired a human being to carry out his/her duties for humanity. Furthermore he called upon all, general and particular, to follow this tradition as he did. It was clear from that statement of Gandhi in which he had said, “My life is my message.”

After taking inspiration from the life and work of the Mahatma many people tried to follow his pathway not only in India but also in other parts of the world. They as per their ability and capability worked for the welfare of the people. And thus through their public services in different walks of life they proved themselves to be the makers and propagators of peace.

In these days of unprecedented development in all spheres we are witnessing an atmosphere which is full of uproar. In spite of increasing nearness at the global level we are observing rise in competitions. In the process of steady development it is not an unnatural thing. But increasing disparity amongst the people is a matter of concern. Furthermore, the hurting exploitation by one of the other is the matter of serious concern. This tendency of exploitation destroys that human freedom for which Gandhi had taken initiatives in South Africa and later in India, and which is essential for the establishment and development of peace. In this regard Mahatma Gandhi had said:

“If I want freedom for my country, believe me, I do not want that freedom in order that I, belonging to a nation which counts one-fifth of the human-race, may exploit any other race upon earth, or any single individual. If I want that freedom for any country, I would not be deserving of that freedom if I did not cherish and treasure the equal right of every race, weak or strong, to the same freedom.”

The above statement of the Mahatma, which in fact is the beginning anew of the Indian concept of peace, is a ray of hope. Also it is the best message for those who are engaged in their work for peace.

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*Indologist Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a Former Vice-Chancellor of CCS University, Meerut [India]

Cecil Gets A Voice (Finally)

When I played the SNES version of this game, FF II, I was first amazed at the intriguing storyline, the little romance between Cecil and Rosa and even the notion that the real King of Baron was disposed off long before the game began.

So when the remake of this game came out on the GBA, I played that version too. But later on when I heard that a version for the Nintendo DS (Final Fantasy IV DS) would be out, I was not certain if I wanted to play this game again on a different system.

But since  I am right smack in the middle of playing this Nintendo DS version, I must say, I highly recommend it for those who have played the SNES as well as the GBA versions and for those who have not played it at all.

For this Nintendo DS version has features that makes good use of the Nintendo DS system. There are dramatic cut scenes, voice acting in certain areas of the game, fantastic graphics and sound effects, but there is more.

Running into a character known as Namingway changes a range of additions he brings to the game. For example, when you meet Namingway, you have the option of changing Cecil’s name to one you otherwise prefer. Later on, when you encounter him as Mappingway, he introduces an automapping feature.

Once you have, for example, cleared  one hundred percent of a dungeon or area map, your character receives unique items like potions, elixirs, etc. But what I found really fascinating is when Recordingway saves certain cut scenes for your later viewing pleasure.

And you can view these cut scenes later by speaking to the giant Chocobo in the back left side of the town of  Kaipo. Another interesting feature this DS version has is the Augment one.

Whether a few of the characters who aided you ended up sacrificing themselves for a good cause or they just left your party for whatever reason,  they leave a few of their skills behind. Palom and Porom, for example left behind their Twincast ability after sacrificing themselves at Baron Castle.

These augments can be easily identified by their shiny glitter. Step up to the glitter and press A to receive the augment that you can now transfer to a member of your party. Certain bosses you have beaten will sometimes leave augments behind too.

And to find these boss augments, just revisit the area where you fought the  boss   and walk up to the shiny bit of glitter. The Dark Elf, in the Lodestone Cavern or Metallic Cave for example, leaves the Wind augment behind after you have beaten him.

Speaking of boss battles, a few of them  are difficult, granted, and building up your heroes’ levels is one thing you might find yourself doing in order to beat those bosses. And with eight crystals at stake, four from the Light world and four from the Dark one, you are truly in for some epic video gaming.

So come on and join Cecil (Lord Captain) Rosa, Kain, Cid and others as they try to save their world from ruin on Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS. You will be pleasantly surprised you did.

Although this version works well with the Nintendo DS stylus, it can also be played using the D-PAD.

Next up, I can’t wait to play the soon to be released (February 2009) Legacy of Ys Books 1 and II, also for the Nintendo DS.

Final Fantasy IV DS

My Overall Rating: 10 out of 10. (It’s that good and magnificent.)

Rated E For Everyone but mainly for those 10 on up because it contains: Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes, Alcohol Reference, Language.

China Must Develop More Cordial Relations With India By Gandhi Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

India and China are two great nations of the Asian continent. Both impact each other over events big and small that occur in any part of the continent. Moreover, their role in world affairs is important and sometimes vital too.

As they are neighbors, maintaining good cordial relations is inevitable for both. That is why in the course of their bilateral dealings, and particularly in the process of increasing economic and cultural relations during the last two decades, they have shown maturity on their respective parts on many occasions.

But China’s attitude towards India regarding the terror attacks in Mumbai last year in November has been shocking. It has been appalling and surprising to know after conveying formal condolences for the people killed, the Chinese government, in spite of condemning the barbarian act honestly and strongly, moved quickly to divert attention from terrorism perpetrated by an organization it has supported by calling on India and Pakistan to strengthen dialogue and bilateral cooperation, at the United Nation Security Council meeting.

It is also painful to learn about the unfair and regrettable attitude of China’s official state media as well as various Chinese government institutions that repeatedly downplayed the terrorist’s actions in Mumbai.

Without a doubt, such an unfair attitude of China particularly on the issue of terrorism, which is a serious international problem affecting every continent of the world has sent a wrong signal to the developing economic and cultural relations between India and China. Despite the unfortunate conflict between China and India in 1962, and the late former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Beijing visit in 1988 to improve relations, mistrust still persists.

It is less important that China considers Pakistan an old friend and values the friendship for any number of reasons and more important that it looks at the reality of things and addresses it with a fair and clear political conscience. This is the only way China can build a fair partnership with India and realize its goal of becoming a world power.

India is the largest democracy in the world and a leading economic power, which can be assessed by its annual growth rate even in these days of global economic depression. Nevertheless, it has its own importance in world affairs and cannot be underestimated by the international community and particularly by China.

The need of the hour is to wind up mistrust step-by-step, as this is one of the main hurdles in building relations between both nations. China must realize the importance of India and come forward honestly to smoothen its political and economic relations with its neighbor in the larger interest of the people of both countries in particular and the world community in general.

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*Renowned Indologist Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a former vice chancellor of Chaudhury Charan Singh University of Meerut, India.

Circuit City To Close US Stores

Some  eight years ago  when I purchased my first computer, it was a  Circuit City store I went to in order to make that purchase. Since then, I have returned to that store for other high tech gadgets such as: a video game, a D-Link internet adapter for my laptop and a few other items.

And the more I pay attention to the goings on about the state of the economy, the more I have come to realize what a serious impact it is having on stores suxh as Circuit City.

According to latest news reports, Circuit City has announced that it plans to close all of its US stores. In addition, 34,000 Circuit City employees will lose their jobs as a result.

Did someone say the state of the economy was getting better? With Circuit City set to close its stores in the US, it’s enough to make one wonder which major company is going to be affected in such a big way next.

I guess if you want to find a brighter side of this story, Circuit City is having close out liquidation sales at all locations.

And as of this writing, Canadian Circuit City stores will not be affected, you can still use your Circuit City giftcards, there will be no delivery of purchased goods while the liquidation process is in effect and the close out sales will continue until March 2009.

Liquidation close out sales began as of January 17th 2009.

Breathing New Life Into Breath Of Fire For The SNES/GBA

A few years ago, when the folks at Nintendo discontinued the making and selling of  games for the SNES, I would stock up on mostly used games for that system whenever I went to the video game store, because it was a great system for the time, and I did not have the time to play a lot of those games in the 90s.

And since I am a big fan of the RPG genre of video games, I would get a lot of those. One such game I did get then was a copy of Breath Of Fire, the first one. Apparently, I got so many that time that I forgot to play this particular one.

So  you can consider my pleasant surprise when I sort of re-discovred the SNES cartridge one day while I was going through my video game collection. The first thing that came to mind was why was it stashed away. Had I already played and beaten the game?

But when I inserted the game in the SNES system and started playing it, I realized that it was one game I had not played yet. Apparently, at the time, I got so  involved playing the others that  I   forgot about Breath Of Fire.

But I am here to tell you, that if you have not played this particular game, and you like RPGs, then it will be a great addition to your video game collection. It was so great that Nintendo remade one for the GBA.

But which ever one you get your hands on, whether it’s the SNES version (if you still own a SNES system) or the revamped GBA one, you will enjoy playing it.

Come join Ryu and a group of other heroes as they save their world from the evil hands of Zog, the game’s villain. The gameplay is fun with an engaging storyline, comes with clear and crisp graphics, and sound effects,  especially if you get the GBA version.

I am glad I  rediscovered this game. Had I not done so, I would have missed out on playing one of the greatest RPGs that was made for the SNES.

My best weapon for Ryu: The B Rang

My best Nina spell: Warp

My best Bleu spell: Comet

My best Karn fusion: Puka

My best scene: The Bleu/Nina fight scene in Tunlan.

The Economy And The War In Iraq

Many factors can lead to an economic shakedown. If people are not spending or shopping as much as they used to, that can have an effect. If the line at the unemployment office is longer than the daily  line at the workplace cafeteria, that can have an effect.

For, as we all know, it’s all about circulation. The more money there is to go around, the happier everyone is, including the economy. And since everyone feels as though he/she needs a bail out plan, one question that has come to mind is, how did it all begin? How did many people become suddenly mindful of the amount of money they were/are spending and how did the economy take a turn for the worse? Many theories come to mind here, but the one that seems to fit the best is the war on Iraq.

And a lot of money has been spent on that war that was not really necessary to begin with. For example, there were no Iraqi terrorists on board any of those 911 planes. But for the matter of the amount of money that has been spent and is being spent on the war in Iraq, here is a breakdown:

According to http://theiraqinsider.blogspot.com/2008/02/how-much-does-iraq-war-cost-per-month.html

IRAQ
Per Month – $10.3 billion
Per Week – $2.4 billion
Per Day – $343 million
Per Hour – $14 million
Per Minute – $238,425
Per Second – $3,973

I don’t know about anyone else reading this, but the numbers in the above chart seems like a bit much, don’t you think?

So next time you are wondering why everyone wants a bail out, people are being fired or laid off almost everywhere you turn, or why your friend is having second thoughts about that major purchase, and this is my theory, but the war in Iraq, was it really necessary?

And think what condition the economy would be in if all those millions of dollars weren’t being spent on the war in Iraq every month, week, day, minute or second since March 2003.

It might have been wonderful, everyone might be happy and hundreds of people might still have their jobs, and no one might need a bail out.

SOURCE: Figures on the war in Iraq are from: www.theiraqinsider.blogspot.com

Calling Nintendo For Earthbound

When you are an avid video game player like I am, you tend to take some of the games you play for granted. One such game is ‘Earthbound’ that was made for the SNES in 1995.

So I played it, and moved on to other RPG games without casting another eye at the Earthbound video game 16 Bit cartridge. And it wasn’t until recently I discovered what a great game that was. Especially when I noticed it has been selling on Ebay.com for anything upward of two to three hundred dollars. The player’s guide that came included with the cartridge in the 90s is also a hot commodity.

Maybe I took the Earthbound SNES game for granted then for a few reasons. Maybe I thought the battle system lacked a sort of Final Fantasy feel to it. Or maybe I thought the Meteorite falling to Earth storyline was over used or maybe I thought the game’s hero, Ness could have had a better early weapon than a cracked bat. But apart from that, there was also much to like about the Earthbound video game.

I liked the innovative ATM, parent depositing cash in Ness’s account for further use. The crisp, clear, graphics were also a plus, then there is the music which some players really like.

In addition, I also liked the game’s use of true to life places such as: Stone Henge and other landmarks. By the time you, the video gamer got to such places, it gave you a deeper appreciation for the game.

And although it’s been a while since I have played this particular game on the SNES, I was wondering if the folks at Nintendo would put it out for the Nintendo DS so other video gamers can enjoy it as well without paying a hefty three hundred dollar price on up on Ebay.

So far, the lowest cost I have seen it for is ninety three dollars on Amazon. So if anyone from Nintendo sees this, please, please consider placing Earthbound on the Nintendo DS format It’s worth it and players who have not played it will also get a chance to do so, for a reasonable price.