"Immortal Love is within Reach"

Deccan Herald, 8th February, 2010

H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Some say the purpose of life is to ensure that one doesn't come back to this planet because it is bereft of love. They feel if there is love then why is life so painful? All that one want in life is love. Every human being is longing for a love that doesn't die out, a love that doesn't cause pain, a love that grows and stands forever. By taking a multilateral view of life, one can see life in a different way and realise that the purpose of life is to achieve this kind of love and blossom in that ideal love.

Suppose you are immensely successful and have all the riches at your command but there is no love in your life, then life would not really be worthwhile; it would appear barren. But still most of the people lead a loveless life. Have you ever thought why this happens? It is your ego that prevents you from achieving that love. As long as there is ego, there cannot be love. And when there is love, there is no sign of ego. What is ego? Ego is simply being unnatural. Half knowledge brings ego but when knowledge becomes complete, ego drops and simplicity dawns.

The question arises that if the ego is so unnatural then why does every human being have an ego? We have the ego because it is necessary in some way for our growth in life. That doesn't mean it should not have been there from the very beginning. Ego is necessary, but with knowledge you can now grow out of it. In the Narada Bhakti Sutras one sutra says: "Knowledge is one of the aids to uncover the naturalness". Through observing oneself and deep into one’s self in meditation one can overcome ego.

Often, when someone shows a lot of love you do not know how to respond, you feel obliged and bound. This is because you are not natural. There is an ego coming in between. The ability to receive genuine love comes with the ability to give love. The more you are centered and natural and know that love is not an emotion it is your very existence, the more you feel at home with any amount of love expressed in any manner. A seed has a covering or shell over it, and when you soak it in water, it sprouts and then the shell peels off. Similarly, the ego is a necessary unnaturalness that develops as you grow. When you were a child of two or three years, there was no ego; you are in a state of total, innocent, blissful love. Then the ego forms a cover. Knowledge uncovers this shell and make you a child again; natural, simple and innocent. When you are natural, simple and innocent, there is no ego. The ego is not a substance; it is a non-substance, much like darkness. Darkness is only lack of light. There is nothing called an ego that has substance. Ego is just a lack of total development, a lack of total understanding. It is just a lack of maturity or lack of knowledge.

Jai Gurudev

("Maintain the innocence of the Gods and cultivate the Intelligence of the Guru")

150 Varieties of rice!

For the record, I didnt know that ...just the south of India grows more than 150 varieties of rice!

If GM crops were to enter India, it dangerously limit the delicate and myriad biodiversity of our eco-system...many crops could get EXTINCT!

The Indian culture has always been to grow multiple types of crops. And we have flourished at that, with rich varieties.

If one crop fails the other will flourish...farmers and their families, and the whole of country wont starve...but if GM crops are grown, failure of one type of crop will mean virtual suicide.

And India DOES NOT want another episode of Vidharba district's mass suicide calamity repeated ever in future, in this great country!

Neither do you, nor do I. So, every educated citizen ought to get the facts right, and condone "progress for progress's sake".

This country is sustained by its farmers and rural villages, let us not forget that...and give the farmers their right...to cultivate crops in the best and the natural way...

And we have seen always, organic crops, and crops grown by vedic methods of agriculture, grow FASTER than any damn fertilized crop, and are the HEALTHIEST too! I have seen first-hand experience of this.

For the rest of us, I encourage you to do your own research.

And protect the richness of this country, after all, it is this country that has created the foundation for so many more diverse cultures across this world.

...and by all means, restore its unbounded spiritual, scientific, cultural, natural and human wealth, India is a country of love, and progress. But do not mistake this love as naive, and do not generalize the greed of a few short-sighted politicians as progress.

Here are glimpses of wake-up calls:

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2009/04/20/1500-indian-farmers-commit-suicide-are-gm-crops-to-blame/

http://www.i-sis.org.uk/gmProtestsIndia.php

Love!

BT BRINJAL IS HARMFUL...WHY???

Sometimes, I reiterate over the reason why I keep a blog, and post my thoughts and share it...one of the definite reasons is, social responsibility, and an inner urge to share the best things (with universal appeal) I have experienced in life with people I know and with people I dont know yet...

Along the way, I am confident I shall catalyze some positive change for many many good people in this planet, and for the not-so-good people too...

One such issue is certainly the unfair controversy over BT BRINJAL...whereas the facts are clear:

BT BRINJAL IS HARMFUL!

One doesn't need a ph.D in Biochemistry or Genetic Engineering to decipher this simple fact. In fact most ph.D. holders who support Genetically-Engineered (GE) food, have done enough harm already...by upholding "progress for progress's sake" and downplaying the long-term ethical murder that BT BRINJAL (and others, in the pipeline) bring upon farmers, the environment (air, water, land), and millions of consumers who may (God forbid!) consume potential carcinogen in form of BT BRINJAL!

I call GM food a hazardous stunt show, by politicians and Monsanto-species.

Let's uncomplicate.

Certainly, BT COTTON proved half the point with miserable failure, and complications.

No doubt farmers had a great crop for a season, and then the eco-system crashed...

• soil was depleted of its capacity to grow other forms of crops!
• further tests showed BT COTTON caused liver malfunction, skin allergies, and even carcinogen properties
• In fact, GM food can also cause unknown mutations to the consumer or to the future generations, at any point of life...It like having dormant HIV which can appear at any time...
• And the biggest flaw is that INSUFFICIENT tests were performed on BT COTTON before approving it.

Question: Who conducted the tests?

Yes, you are right...the same guys who approved it, the very corporates who created it.

We don't want human rights crushed in this bureaucrat game and political monopoly...we don't want farmer suicides...we don't want our earth to turn sterile.

And today, BT BRINJAL is contending to enter India, and through whom? The Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh!

The facts are clear, the experts have conducted 5-6 tests only! and they concluded it is safe...I didnt know we have such dishonest and conscience-less scientists too, who compromise on the ethics of their work, at the risk of health of millions of people, flora and fauna.

How can we even blame them?

These are the scientists who were taught the "BENEFITS" of GM food, not the negative ramifications, in their college. These are the very scientists who actually work for the companies that invent, produce and market GM food!

These organizations manipulate the tests, bribe their way past the regulatory hurdles, and promote themselves through the greedy pockets of the same government that WE elect! Very smart selling strategy, but it doesnt stop at that...

...have you heard of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)? This very IPR also protects these organizations, and gives them the farm to sue, and even grab the lands from the farmers who "dare" to save their own crops. Why? because IPR laws protect the interests of the one who holds the patent! In this case, it is MONSANTO and MAHYCO.

I am sure we all have got the picture here.

Remember the last meal you had? Breakfast...lunch...or dinner? you know the vegetables/fruits were bought at the market...you also know in India, there is NO LABELING of vegetables.

By "labeling" I mean, the footprint of the vegetable/fruit that you buy...where was it grown? was it exposed to fertilizers & pesticides? If yes, which fertilizers & pesticides? was it grown under organic conditions? If not, what is the level of toxicity it contains?

NOTHING! We are told nothing, and made to consume food with invisible footprints, the same way that your pet dog or a cow unquestioningly eats the food you give it!

"There is no law fixing liability in the event of contamination of non-Bt brinjal by the GM variety."

As consumers we think we monopolize the trend? WRONG! We may decide what fashion wear or movie should reach our wardrobes and bookshelves, but we are compromised on the most essential products-- our food system.

I ask Jairam Ramesh, did he put a labeling mechanism in place, before deciding to even encourage talks with GM companies? No he didn't. I am asking you, did you cast your vote in the last elections?

No? Then I am sorry you do not have a say in the government's affairs.

My friends, Europe including Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Greece, Denmark, Ireland has banned GM food, half of Brazil has done so too. In fact some of them have banned Monsanto completely, and Nestle (yes sir, they also inject GM ingredients into popular food products like Cerelac, Maggi noodles, Munch and Kitkat chocolates etc)!

I am sure we Indians are not cuckoos, or perhaps some politicians are...and greedy cuckoos at that too.

Have you decided to vote yet, now?

Perhaps we can start with a signature campaign.

You don't want your girl friend/boy friend/wife/husband, or mother or father or siblings (sisters, brothers)...anyone you love or care about developing an irreversible disease because one day when you had a chance, and you knew, still you didn't act...

I love myself, and I love my family...my extended family is you too.

And that is why I just made you aware of what's coming, if you and me don't do something right, right now.

For your knowledge:


http://balkrishnapatankar.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/say-no-to-gm-foods-gm-food-can-cause-the-biggest-health-crisis/


http://www.zeenews.com/news602829.html


http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_to-eat-or-not-to-eat-bt-brinjal_1341691

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/food/Bt-Brinjal-should-not-be-allowed-Scientists-to-India/articleshow/5525271.cms

Root of Violence

I received an email forward today morning....I thought I should share it with you too...

The caption read:

"The Roots of Violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice, Politics without principles."

I thought if we refine the sentence above in two steps...how would it look simpler?

Step1:

"The Roots of Violence: Wealth without ETHICS, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without INNOCENCE, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without LOVE, Politics without SPIRITUALITY."

Step2:

The Roots of Violence: An individual who doesn't have SPIRITUAL EDUCATION."

How Toxic Are You?

I remember...

...Channel 4 undertaking a bold move into highlighting the long-term health damage from excessive use of parabens, soidum laureth sulfate and triclosan in skin care and beauty products...tis includes shampoos, skin creams and lotions.

I thought it would be interesting to expose a few facts about the unending array of better-sounding, better-looking personal products that irresponsible, greedy manufacturers stuff inside and on bodies of gullible consumers like you and me...

Let's look at the popular shampoos sold and used in India, and endorsed through our favorite celebrities:

Get the facts right:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Ethyl Sulfate (SLES) are skin and eye irritants.

Found in household cleaning products, shampoos, shower gels, bubble-baths.

Articles over the internet that tell you otherwise, are secondary research information that are outdated and conducted 5-10 years ago. Read them with a pinch of salt

The following favorite shampoos most of us use day in and day out, contain SLS or SLES:

Jennifer Aniston endorses Garnier Fructis internationally

... and Jennifer Penty does it for India

John Abraham endorses Clinic All Clear

...Maria Menounos endorses Pantene ProV

In India, shampoo brands bank on a sizeable share of their profits to celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Sushmita Sen and Priyanka Chopra...this is what the Hindu Business Line managed to dig out: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/11/08/stories/2008110850761800.htm

Given the mass influence that popular actors have upon the youth...it is dicey for them to jump on the advertisement bandwagon without a little background research on their endorsements...I am certain, as consumers who are used to such intoxicating fragrant shampoos, we either overlook most facts (maybe even now, your mind is saying, "yes, yes", or a "no, no"), or we act helpless with statements like, "Oh! but the market is flooded with such products, what options do we have?"

If that question arose from a space of sincerity for a healthier lifestyle upgradation, then I have a small tip for you...

When did you last walk into the Baidyanath ayurvedic store next door? You will be amazed and so was I, at the richness of the products Ayurveda has to offer!! Fragrant shampoos which do not contain toxins, hair wash gels that are extracted by natural means from organic fruits and herbs, and formulations that were made from ancient ayurvedic compositions (that are still a rage after around 20 millenniums!)...it's easy to fall in love with the organic soaps and ayurvedic hair washes that are pure, natural, holistic, and make us proud and educated eco-conscious consumers.

If you are a step ahead in ~>*narcissism*<~ ...you may use the Trichup brand products, Bhringaraj hair powder available at Bodhi Tree and Herbal Remedies. Alternately, Shikakai Powder has been an enduring trusted hair wash since the days of our grand mothers and grand fathers...

personally, i LOVE the body and hair care products offered at Sri Sri Ayurveda personal care products shops online and offline...you'll find lots of first-hand testimonials of people who use and love its products...

Love yourself, Go ayurvedic...be natural...let our planet breathe easy!

...Oh btw, this is how split-ends of a human hair look like....UNDER THE MICROSCOPE... ouchhh!

OFFICE ARITHMETIC- Excerpts from the Corporate Jungle

Smart boss + smart employee = profit

Smart boss + dumb employee = production

Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion :-)

Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime !!!

PUT THE GLASS DOWN!

This is a small story, though it is old and may be repetition it is
worth reading......

A professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students, "How much do you think this glass weighs?"

'50gms!' ..... '100gms!' .....'125gms' ...the students answered.

I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor, "but, my
question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?"

'Nothing' the students said.

'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked.
'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the students.

"You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?"
"Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!" ventured another student & all the students laughed.

"Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?" asked the professor.
'No' was the answer.

"Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?"
The students were puzzled.

"What should I do now to come out of pain?" asked professor again.

"Put the glass down!" said one of the students

"Exactly!" said the professor.

Life's problems are something like this.
Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.
Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache.
Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything. It's important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to 'PUT THEM DOWN' at the end of every day before You go to sleep..
That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh & strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

So, when you leave office today, & before you sleep…
Remember to

'PUT THE GLASS DOWN !'