From Buddha to Aristotle many have spoken about the importance of balance. This balance is the one which man acquires when he moves on the middle path. When he avoids extremes and follows the golden mean. Then for example, he is not a coward, nor is he rash -he is courageous. Similarly between pride and diffidence he chooses modesty, between miserliness and extravagance, liberality, between moroseness and buffoonery, good humor, between belligerence and flattery, friendship and so on. One … [Read more...] about Even saints require power, weapons
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Confucian Prescription for Spiritual Evolution
Two sharp insights from Confucius… Cut the handle of a new axe with an old axe and it will not be far from the old handle in appearance. Hence a gentleman asks of others no more than of himself, so long as they correct their mistakes. He who can practice tolerance and forbearance is not far from the way of the mean. He should do to others as he would have others do to him. Confucius highlights the challenge of walking the middle path (way of the mean) especially in the beginning. Cut the … [Read more...] about Confucian Prescription for Spiritual Evolution
Does our Spirituality make us Weak?
Now comes a new lament. Indian players in the Indian premier league are being racially abused. And then Air France staff is accused of harassing Indians. So much of racial discrimination targetted against one community? What is it in us Indians which makes the world treat us so? I was invited as the chief guest to the IMA (Indian Medical Association) for their annual function. My introduction was in superlatives and I was given a lot of respect before being called to address the function. I … [Read more...] about Does our Spirituality make us Weak?
House that for a unique method of collecting taxes?
In the Mughal and British times- due to the oppressive tax regimes- when people met citizens of another city the first question was not how is life in your city but how is tax in your city? I have also begun to ask this question of other city dwellers. How is tax in your city? Why? Because of the newly imposed house tax. Am I scared of paying taxes? No. I pay my taxes. What I fear is interacting with the Government. Whenever I interact with the Government I feel I will enter a morally … [Read more...] about House that for a unique method of collecting taxes?
Spirituality of Truth and Strength
Even a priest needs to inspire some awe to command the faith of the faithful- Chanakya By priest, Chanakya means a virtuous man - a kind, honest, sincere, generous, loving man. If you wish to live like such a man your life would be saintly. If you wish to be like a saint, then you should have a weapon. What does a weapon mean? Weapon means either the ability to stand for your principles or your network of contacts and your good will or your ability to expose the other person’s misdeeds. This … [Read more...] about Spirituality of Truth and Strength
What’s spiritual: shoes or stones?
In the last piece I said how throwing shoes at one’s oppressors is a spiritual act. A reader has asked me he would like to go further and throw stones. Would that be more spiritual? Let me answer his question with a tale from Ramayana. Lakshaman and Sugreeva are deliberating on how to cross the sea and reach Lanka with their army. They thought it is best to begin with a prayer to the ocean-god and submitted their opinion to Rama. Rama accepted their counsel and started his fast and prayers … [Read more...] about What’s spiritual: shoes or stones?