Bhay bin Bhav na upaje, bhay bin hoye na preeti Jab Hirday se bhay gaya, miti sakal riti (Kabir says that without an element of fear, it is difficult to feel happiness or sorrow. Fear is important even to feel affection for the Guru. In the absence of fear, one loses reverence for his master and can easily abandon all ethical behaviour, resulting in a loss of his own identity). Every mother once in a while has to scare her child. Why? Does she not love her child? No. If there is one expression … [Read more...] about The Importance of Fear
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Guru-shishya link is based on love
Jab mein tha tab Guru Nahin, ab Guru hain main nahi Prem gali ati saankri ta mein do na samahi (Kabir says that when in a state of ego a disciple cannot connect to his Guru. And when he does achieve that connection with the Guru and absorbs true knowledge, ego vanishes. So narrow is the lane of love between the Guru and disciple that it has no room for ego.) Ego has its uses and Kabir knows about them. Ego is a defense mechanism. It helps you defend your interest. However, one should use ego as … [Read more...] about Guru-shishya link is based on love
Poor teachers have readymade answers
Saint Kabir has been one of the most unique Indian poet – thinker. Kabir was a peak in spiritual consciousness. Let us explore his wisdom. Kabir is a man of candor. He has spoken extensively on the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship. In the whole world, I doubt if anyone has written so extensively on the teacher-student relationship as Kabir has. Most of his writings have been polluted by compilers. They wax eloquent about the guru. In the following verse, which having read him … [Read more...] about Poor teachers have readymade answers
Domestic Violence and Equality of Women
As the International Women’s day draws near I was asked by an activist what are your comments on domestic violence against women? Here is my view. Domestic violence by man against woman is not so much a gender issue as it is a power issue. An unbiased study of history will demonstrate that often when one group is powerful enough to control another group and profit from that domination, they will do so regardless of gender. Woman also when she has had power, for example in matriarchal societies, … [Read more...] about Domestic Violence and Equality of Women
Don’t Stifle Creativity, Allow Social Evolution
When I first started flying abroad I realized that Indian airlines don’t serve liquor on the flights. When I asked some people in the aviation ministry why was that so they said, Indian passengers will get drunk and misbehave. Later on the ban was lifted- today even the government owned Indian (Air Lines) serves liquor. I have checked with several pilots and cabin crew, the instances of intoxicated misbehaviour are rare and the same as on other airlines (with other nationalities) and no one is … [Read more...] about Don’t Stifle Creativity, Allow Social Evolution
Hospitalisation can spur enlightenment
In the last two pieces I have discussed how relevant is the advise of Chanakya given 2500 years ago both for parents and children of today. This mega mind also exhorted the Indian society to shed its hypocrisy as it makes India weak, inefficient and non credible. He says that a physically weak person develops a friendly nature. That is when you are physically weak you pose to be friendly because that is the only behavioral option you have. You can't be aggressive when you are physically weak. … [Read more...] about Hospitalisation can spur enlightenment