Our ancient scriptures and modern science

CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE
B.M.N. Murthy shares some of the great contributions made by our ancient scriptures
in the development of modern science. It is sad, though, that Indians are hardly
aware of these contributions and always give credit to Western scientists
Our ancient scriptures
and modern science
WHEN we think of the growth and development
of modern science for the past several years,
our thoughts always turn towards the
contributions of the Western scientists. Seldom do we pause
and recollect the great contributions made by our scriptures
in the development of science and its practical applications
ever since the Vedic Age. The rich contribution that ancient
India has made in the field of science and the deep insight
our ancients had towards the development of science are
evident from the illustrative examples given below, which
are just representative.
Aircraft Engineering: The use of aircraft as a flying machine
finds reference in many places in the Rig-Veda, as is evident
from the Sooktha (statement) “Antarikshe Charati” which
means ‘that which flies in air’ Indeed, there are several
similar Sookthas in the Rig-Veda which point
towards the existence of aircraft even then.
Who has not heard of the reference to the
‘Puspaka Vimana’ in the Valmiki Ramayana?
Tracing the development further, we come
across an exhaustive treatise on Aerodynamics
called “Brihad Vaimanika Shastra” written by
Sage Bharadwaja thousands of years ago which
covers all aspects of aeronautics and aircrafts,
including their manufacture and flying
instructions. In the last hundred years, it is
well-known that the first aircraft in the world
was launched by the Wright Brothers in
America on December 17, 1903. But what is
not known so well is the fact that eight years
before, in the year 1895 itself, V.S. Talpade,
an Indian Sanskrit scholar and a scientist from
Pune, had launched an unmanned aircraft at
Juhu Beach, Mumbai in 1895, guided by his
Bangalore based Guru Anekal Subbaraya
Shastri. Talpade had based his design and launch as per
the guidelines in the ‘Brihad Vaimanika Shastra’. The aircraft
was named as “Marutha Shakti” (Power of the Wind) and
the aircraft flew to a height of about 1500 feet before it
crashed. The project was financed by the then Maharaja of
Baroda and the event was widely covered in the Marathi
newspaper Kesari, founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Law of Gravitation: Much before Newton discovered the
Law of Gravitation, India had produced an exhaustive treatise
on Astronomical Sciences, called “Surya Siddhanta”. The
very first Shloka therein establishes the Law of Gravitation.
Even Acharya Shankara in his commentaries on the
Upanishads, particularly on the Prasnopanishad, has clearly
established the Law of Gravitation by using the word
‘Akarshana Shakti’.
Velocity of Light: In the Rig-Veda there is a
Sooktha (statement) called ‘Soura Sooktha’
which speaks about the brightness of the
Sun and how fast it illuminates the entire
world.
Explaining the implications of this Sooktha,
the great Vedic commentator, Sayanacharya,
of the Vijaya Nagara Empire (14th Century
A.D) has established the velocity of light in
the following shloka:
“Yojananam Sahasre Dve, Dve Shate Dve
Cha Yojane
Ekena Nimishardhena Kramamana Namostu
Te”
(Oh Surya! Salutations to you whose light
crosses 2,202 Yojanas in half Nimesha)
Yojana was the unit of length in those days,
one Yojana approximating to about 8 miles;
and Nimesha was the Unit of time, one
Nimesha was equivalent to 16/75th of a
B.M.N. Murthy shares some of the great contributions made by our ancient scriptures
in the development of modern science. It is sad, though, that Indians are hardly
aware of these contributions and always give credit to Western scientists.
Much before
Newton
discovered the
Law of Gravitation,
India had
produced an
exhaustive treatise
on Astronomical
Sciences, called
“Surya
Siddhanta”. The
very first Shloka
therein establishes
the Law of
Gravitation.second. Calculated on the basis of this data, the velocity of
light works out to 1, 87, 650 miles per second which is
very close to the modern accepted velocity of light 1,86,282
miles per second.
Plastic Surgery: The world’s very first plastic surgeon was
an Indian Ayurvedic surgeon by name Sushruta who lived in
600 B.C. He has written an exhaustive medical treatise
known as “Shushruta Samhita” which covers extensive
details on almost all the medical operations on the body,
including grafting of the skin and the medical equipment
required for the operations. In fact, surgery started with
him in India and he performed almost all the surgical feats
like Caesarean operation, cataract, brain surgery, plastic
surgery etc. He specialised in the building up of torn or
wounded noses.
In those days, during wars, flashing of swords was common.
Soldiers who got their noses cut during the battle would go
to Sushruta for treatment. He would take strips of flesh
from their thigh and mend the nose by grafting it. He would
even fashion a new lip.
In the War of 1792, Tipu Sultan’s soldiers captured a Maratha
cart driver in the British army, called Cowasji
and cut off his nose. A year later, a native
surgeon from Poona who had practiced Plastic
Surgery as per the guidelines of Shushruta
reconstructed his nose in the presence of two
British doctors, Thomas Cruso and James
Hindlay of the Bombay Presidency. An
illustrated account of this rare operation was
reported in the Gentleman’s Magazine of
London in its issue dated October 1794.
Movement of the Earth and Sun: It was only
in 1543 A.D. that the Western world
discovered that the Earth moves around the
sun with the advent of the Polish astronomer
Copernicus on the scene. Till such time they
thought that the Earth was stationary and the
sun moved around it. Whereas, our own
astronomer Aryabhata had already established
the correct position in his helio-centric system
as early as the 5th century A.D. In fact, the
Aithariya Upanishad clearly states “The sun
neither rises nor does it set”. Aryabhata
forestalled Copernicus by ten centuries.
Robotics: Even as early as the 12th century,
there are references in our ancient books about
the use of robots as entertaining gadgets. Raja Bhoja (of
Kalidasa fame) has written a book in 1150 A.D by the name
‘Samarangana Sutradhara’ in which he describes several
machines installed for the entertainment of the King and
operated by remote control. In the dance treatise ‘Nritta
Ratnavali’ written by Jaya Senapathi in 1253 A.D.during
the Kakatiya rule from Warangal, we get the description of
a dance hall in which mechanical lady figures that chant,
sing and dance were installed and were activated by remote
control.
Metallurgy: India was the first country in the world to
manufacture high-carbon steel called ‘Damascus steel’.
This steel was originally called ‘wootz’ in English. Indian
steel was used for making swords in Persia and Arabia.
The excellent state of preservation of iron pillar near Qutub
Minar in Delhi in spite of vagaries of weather for over 15
centuries is a challenge to corrosion engineers all over the
world.
Civil Engineering: The 49 feet tall and 20,000 kg stone
pillar which stands erect even today in the Belur Temple in
Karnataka built in the 12th century stands testimony to ancient
Indian engineering skill. This would have been
impossible unless the then engineers had a
deep knowledge of the wind forces, their
direction etc. The pillar is standing on a
platform without any stays, hooks, pegs or
any other binding material.
The Decimal System in Mathematics: The
decimal system of Mathematics invented by
our ancient sages was perhaps the greatest
scientific achievement. Ancient Rome was a
great civilisation but its people were
uncomfortable with numbers above 1,000.
They wrote their numbers in alphabets: I
standing for 1, V standing for 5, X for 10, L
for 50, C for 100, D for 500 and M for 1,000.
There was no alphabet expressing a number
higher than 1,000. If one would have asked
an ancient Roman to write the number one
million, he would have gone crazy for he
would then have to write the letter M, which
stands for millennium (or one thousand), one
thousand times. On the other hand, under
our system just write number one followed
by six zeroes. Zero is definitely ancient India’s
greatest contribution to Mathematics.
The world’s very
first plastic
surgeon was an
Indian Ayurvedic
surgeon by name
Sushruta who
lived in 600 B.C.
He has written an
exhaustive medical
treatise known as
“Shushruta
Samhita” which
covers extensive
details on almost
all the medical
operations on the
body, including
grafting of the skin
and the medical
equipment
required for the
operations.
Culture Column
Culture Column.p65 49 2/22/2012, 3:11 PM
50 ONE INDIA ONE PEOPLE March 2012
second. Calculated

Maha Shivratri

Rudraksha, Bel Leaf and Shiva

Mahashivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a festival celebrated every year in reverence of lord Shiva. Maha Shivaratri literally means the great night of Shiva. It is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day of the Maagha month of Hindu. It is celebrated in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael or Vilva leaves to Lord Shiva, daylong fasting and an all night long vigil.

After creation was complete, Parvati asked Lord Shiva which devotees and rituals pleased him the most. The Lord replied that the 13th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha, is his most favourite day. Parvati repeated these words to her friends, from whom the word spread over all creation.
The Story Of King Chitrabhanu
Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who ruled over the whole of Jambudvipa (India), was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king.
The sage asked the king the purpose of his observing the fast. King Chitrabhanu explained that he had a gift of remembering the incidents of his past birth, and in his previous life he had been a hunter in Varanasi and his name was Suswara. His only livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. The day before the new moon, while roaming through forests in search of animals, he saw a deer, but before his arrow flew he noticed the deer’s family and their sadness at its impending death. So he let it live. He had still not caught anything when he was overtaken by nightfall and climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a Bael (vilva) tree. His canteen leaked water, so he was both hungry and thirsty. These two torments kept him awake throughout the night, thinking of his poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously waiting for his return. To pass away the time he engaged himself in plucking the vilva leaves and dropping them down onto the ground.
The next day he returned home and bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.
At the time of his death, he saw two messengers of Lord Shiva, sent to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. He learnt then for the first time of the great merit he had earned by unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The messengers told him that there had been a Shiva Lingam at the bottom of the tree. The leaves he dropped had fallen on the Lingam, in imitation of its ritual worship. The water from his leaky canteen had washed the Lingam (also a ritual action), and he had fasted all day and all night. Thus, he unconsciously had worshipped the Lord. As the conclusion of the tale the King said that he had lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine bliss for a long time before being reborn as Chitrabhanu. This story is narrated in the Garuda Purana.

This is why Hindus do not eat meat on Maha Shivarati. It is thought that those who fast on the evening of Maha Shivaratri will please Lord Shiva and also be granted a blessing.
Rituals of Maha Shivratri
Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu, Nepal) one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva hosts one of the biggest gatherings on Maha Shivaratri. Hindu worshippers all over the world gather at Pashupati to perform pilgrimage. Worshippers must wait in line for hours to present their offerings at the temples. Tripundra refers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead by worshippers of Lord Shiva. These stripes symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance, so also they represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
Wearing a rosary made of rudrakshas (said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva) when worshipping Lord Shiva is ideal

On Shivaratri, only cold water and bael leaves are offered to the Lingam. Other traditional offerings, such as bathing Him in milk and Panchamruta (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey -symbols of sustenance) one after the other, or anointing Him with vermilion (kumkum) or white consecrated rice (Akshata) (symbols of fertility, or creation), are done on this day, when Lord Shiva is worshipped as the deity of dissolution. Chanting the Rudram is considered very auspicious.
According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivaratri worship should incorporate six items: offering vilva leaves to the deity after giving it a ceremonial bath, which represents purification of the soul; applying vermilion paste on the linga after bathing it, which represents virtue; offering food, which is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires; lighting incense, which yields wealth; lighting an oil lamp, which signifies the attainment of knowledge; and offering betel leaves, which marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items form an indispensable part of the Mahashivaratri worship, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship.
Mahashivaratri in Southern India
Mahashivaratri is celebrated widely in the temples all over Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Shiva is considered the Adi (first) Guru from whom the yogic tradition originates. According to tradition, the planetary positions on this night are such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is said to be beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing to stay awake throughout the night. On this day, artists from various fields such as music and dance perform the whole night.
Sahasrakalasabishekam
This is a very special and rare puja conducted during 10 days of Mahasivarathri festival. It is well known that Lord Siva is abhishekapriya (lover of ablutions). Lord Parasurama and Kroshta Muni, during their worship of the Lord here, are believed to have bathed the deity with Sahasrakalasam or a thousand pots of holy water according to Vedic rites. Now during Mahasivarathri festival days the Head Priest (Thanthri) and his team perform this puja. It is a ten day function, each day an offering of 101 Kalasam or pots of holy water (100 being made of silver, while one is made of gold), surcharged with mantras recited by learned Brahmins seated on the Mukhamantapam. These are poured on the deity, the golden pot Brahmakalasam being the last one. A magnificent light is the indication or identity of Lord Shiva and the Shiva Lingam is considered to be the symbol of it. Hence, the formal worship on Maha Shivaratri consists of bathing the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva is said to be burning with the fire of austerity and so only those items are offered to Him that have a cooling effect. A cool water bath is believed to propitiate Him best. There is a belief among devotees that participation in Sahasrakalasam and offering holy worship materials, will lead to blessings with prosperity and peaceful life. Hundreds of devotees thronging the shrine with chants of “Namah Shivaya”, “Hara hara Mahadeva”, and “Sambho Mahadeva”. This year Mahasivarathiri is observed on 20th February, 2012 in all of South India’s temples.
Sivarathri Nrutham
Sivarathri Nrutham at Thrikkuratti temple, according to religious scholars, resembles the cosmic dance of Shiva, called ‘Anandatandava,’ meaning, ‘the Dance of Bliss’ symbolizing the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy – creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion.
The Priest keeps sheeveli vigraha (idol) fixed on a decorated frame on his head. He makes seven circumambulations on Pradakshina Vazhi (holy walkway made of granite around Sanctum Santorum). When the fifth round is reached at the west nada (Parvathi nada), the door opens for just 10 minutes. This is an annual ceremony. Thousands of Pilgims rush to have a glance of this auspicious moment. At this time all the pradakshina vazhi will be lit with camphor and brass temple lamps by thousands of devotees who stay awake through the night while chanting “Nama Sivaya”, “Hara Hara Mahadeva” and “Sambho Mahadeva”. Devotees sing “Hara sankara siva sankara duritham kala sivane”. In this enlightened serene mood, the Priest performs Nrutham and runs the pradakshina vazhi towards the east nada. During the next two rounds he accepts “Valiya kanikka”. The Sivarathri Nrutham is followed by the well known magnificent display of fireworks.
Mahasivarathri Procession
On Sivarathri day evening a grand procession starts from Kadapra Kainikkara Temple. It includes several decorated floats, Kaavadi Aaatam, Mayilattom, Amman Kudom, Thaiyyam, Vela Kali, Kuthiyotta Chuvadu, richly caparisoned elephants and folk art forms etc. It attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. When the main procession reaches Market Junction, other mini processions from Kurattikkadu Mutharamman Temple, Kurattissery Kannamkavil Mutharamman Temple, Thrippavoor Mahavishnu Temple, Vishavarsherikkara Subrahmanya Swami temple and Alumoodu Sivaparvathy Temple join and make the procession more vibrant. The magical effect of the Sinakari melam and Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Among the varieties of festivals celebrated in Kerala, Thrikkuratti Sivarathri Procession is one of the most spectacular. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all. Once the procession reaches the temple, Deeparadhana is followed by colourful display of fireworks.
Panchaakshari
Shiva, as the god of destroying evil, is the third among the divine trinity of Hindu mythology. The holy mantra consisting of five-syllables: “Na” “Ma” “Shi” “Vaa” “Ya” (Om NamaH Shivaaya) in praise of Lord Shiva is chanted incessantly on special occasions like Shivaratri. His thousands of names, each of which describe His greatness, are also be chanted. Shiva means “auspicious”. As Shankara, He is the giver of happiness to all. Nataraja (the king of dancers) is a favourite form adored by dancers and musicians.
Posted: Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 4:15 am Category: Hindu Festivals.

Joy Of Sharing

SWAMI SUNIRMALANANDA recounts incidents that exalt giving rather than hoarding, whether it is to do with material wealth or power.

A pair of slippers administered a vast kingdom for 14 years! Prince Rama was unjustly exiled to the forest for 14 years. His brother, Bharata, was told to ascend the throne of Ayodhya. Though capable, he refused to do so as it was his older brother Rama, who was meant to take up the responsibility. Bharata went to the forest, begged and pleaded with Rama with tear-filled eyes, to return to Ayodhya and assume charge of the kingdom. However, the steadfast and obedient Rama replied that he had to keep his father’s word and so could not return for 14 years.

Bharata’s Vow

Finally, when nothing would change Rama’s mind, Bharata said that he would function merely as the caretaker of the kingdom upon two conditions: One, Rama should give him his padukas or footwear, and they would be placed on the throne to indicate who the real ruler was. Bharata would only act on Rama’s behalf. Secondly, Rama should return exactly after 14 years and assume kingship. If he delayed his return, Bharata would jump into the fire and end his life. Rama knew his brother’s resolve was firm. So he hurried back to Ayodhya after 14 years, just in time to stop Bharata from entering into a blazing fire. That was Bharata — waiting for so long in silence and ready to sacrifice his life as he had neither greed nor ambition to lure him.

Swami Vivekananda narrated the following story in California in 1900: As a young man, Emperor Ashoka fought with his brother. He got the news that he had taken shelter with a Buddhist monk. Ashoka said, “Deliver the man to me.” The monk said: “Vengeance is bad. Disarm anger with love. Anger is not cured by anger, nor hatred by hatred. Cure hatred with love. Friend, if for one evil thou returnest another, thou curest not the first evil, but only add one evil more to the world.” Ashoka replied: “Are you ready to give your life for that man?” “I am indeed ready, sir.” Ashoka drew his sword, and just as he was about to strike the monk, he looked at the face of the man. There was not a hint of fear in those eyes. The emperor stopped, and he said: “Tell me, monk, where did you learn this — fearlessness — despite having nothing to call your own?” And then the monk imparted to Ashoka, lessons on ahimsa, love and compassion.

Sri Ramakrishna’s father, Kshudiram Chatterjee, was a humble Brahmin living in a remote Bengali village called Dere. He never lied or coveted others’ wealth, and was always eager to serve God. He and his wife spent their time and meagre belongings in the service of God and the people. The chief of the village was a wicked man. He wanted to usurp a villager’s property illegally. So he fabricated a case against the poor man. And the wicked fellow wanted Kshudiram to second him, because a truthful man’s word would definitely be of advantage to help him win the case.

Kshudiram flatly refused: he would never utter a falsehood, and would never harm another person. As a consequence, the village chief snatched Kshudiram’s land, house and possessions. Kshudiram stood on the streets with his children and helpless wife, with nowhere to go. Just one falsehood and he could have lived in peace. But he never compromised. So he lost everything. But a friend who knew his worth welcomed him to Kamarpukur, gave him a hut, some space and a little piece of land for free, and Kshudiram continued to live a dedicated, principled life. Vivekananda said: ‘Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.’

Recently, an onlooker saw a poor worker who was known to him, conversing with a friend. The worker was forcing his friend to come to his house and eat. The onlooker, knowing the poor financial condition of the worker, called him aside and said: “Knowing the state of affairs of your family fully well, why are you forcing your friend to eat?” The worker replied: “We can always share whatever little we have, isn’t it?”

Feeling Content

Yes, we can always share what we have, and that has been part of Indic tradition since ages. Atithi Devo Bhava — Guest is God. As Swami Vivekananda says: ‘In the West, they are trying to figure out how much has to be acquired for one to be able to achieve satisfaction; here we try to figure out how little can we manage with in order to achieve that same feeling.’ As the former king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, put it so nicely: ‘Gross National Happiness is what matters; not Gross National Product’.

The joy one experiences in sharing and caring can never be matched in just accumulating material wealth.

Why To Visit Temples ?

WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ?

There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way . Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely . It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop .

The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here .

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust . The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "Garbhagriha" or Moolasthanam .

In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed . This Moolasthanam is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum . We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol . What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the shlokas .

The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings .. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it . This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy . Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life ..

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides . This increases the effect of all energies . The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or poojaris performing the pooja . The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver . When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress . The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura . The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the Moolasthanam /Garbagraham .

Theertham, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol . It is a concoction of Cardamom, Karpura (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Clove, etc . . . Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values . Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees .

Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy . Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners . It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized . Hence it is given as prasadam to the devotees .

This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples . This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments . They were not always superstitious . Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities . When people go to a temple for the Deepaaraadhana, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there . The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all . This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits . It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women . Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings .

This act is now justified after reading this article . This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation .

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly . The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind .

Our practices are NOT some hard & fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams.

All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life .

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains .

Miracle Do Happen Believe In GOD

जा तू मेरै वलि है ता किआ मुहछंदा ॥

Jā ṯū merai val hai ṯā kiā muhcẖẖanḏā.

When You are on my side, Lord, what do
I need to worry about?

Transcribed hereunder from SikhiWiki – the 'Free Sikh Encyclopaedia' is an autobiographical account of Late Mr. Vasu Bhardwaj, erstwhile Special Correspondent of the Gujarati Daily, "Mitr", published from Surat, India. Mr Bhardwaj, a Science Researcher with an American educational background was working in India when in 2001 he was diagnosed suffering from Bone Cancer, which his Oncologists and Haematologists soon opined was Incurable…

"When recitation of Gurbani cured me of deadly cancer, I experienced God." If God is with me, who can harm me? : Not even the deadliest disease of cancer can take my life away and that is exactly the divinely inspiring message of the truly miraculous story of my victorious battle against bone cancer which was medically diagnosed to be 'Multiple Melanomas'.

It was the continuous recitation of Gurbani that not only cured me of bone cancer that had already destroyed most of my bones in my skeleton, but also shattered my will to live. The blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib not only triggered and accelerated the processes of complete and total cure in my body, but the Guru also enabled me to experience God. This also inspired me to pursue 'Naam Therapy' to totally and permanently get rid of otherwise fatal bone cancer.

Can Shabad-Kirtan and faithful recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib save me from fatal clutches of cancer?

Can such a miracle happen?
These were the questions that repeatedly crossed my mind and also dominated my dreams. Initially, I dismissed such ideas and being a science researcher with American educational background, I did not even believe in the existence of god. I have always been taught by my American scientists, teachers and professors that our life and the universe are governed by the irrefutable and irreversible laws of science and that God was nothing but a 'concept' or an illusion invented by timid and non-scientific minds. Hence, I have never been to any place of worship and also never prayed. But not anymore.

Medical History
It was April 27th 2002 when three different teams of oncologists and haematologists from Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad presented me with the unanimous medical investigation reports based on their repeatedly unanimous findings, they passed their judgment with one voice that my life is going to end in a few days as the deadly cancer called 'Multiple Melanomas' has ruined most of my bones that are functionally vital for my survival. On April 29th 2002, I had completed three and half years of painful life as a terminally bed-ridden cancer patient. I was slowly dying of cancer. The bony structures of my right ear had been eaten away by bone cancer that gave me total deafness in my right ear. Repeated audio graphs done by several E.N.T. surgeons proved beyond doubt that the decibel loss was irreversible and so immense that Dr. A.B.R. Desai in Mumbai, who is reputed to be the final authority on E.N.T. ailments, told me that there was something very tragically wrong with the bones in my right year and after trying several treatments, Dr. Desai told me that he has no medicine for my ailment and that I will never be able to hear with my right ear. The reputed E.N.T. surgeon Dr. Farida Wadia of civil hospital was of the opinion that if the loss of hearing in the right year was not due to nerve deafness and was really a symptomatic manifestation of some un-diagnosed ailment then the hearing will return after that un-diagnosed ailment is cured. Is she blessed with 6th, 7th and 8th sense? I guess say so because that is exactly how the events ran their course.

Medical Prognosis Poor
Dr. Farida Wadia was also using her imagination like telescope in time and exactly predicting things which were yet to come. Later, it was Dr. Kiran Shah, the senior most reputed Oncologist and Haematologist in Surat who himself performed bone marrow analysis and gave me the shocking news that I am not only suffering from bone cancer called multiple melanomas but the cancer has already destroyed much my vital bones. As per his advice, electrophoresis of the blood and MRI - [magnetic resonance imaging] – of brain and skull as well as CT-Scan were also done at Mahavir General Hospital which confirmed beyond doubt that I am slowly but surely dying of Bone Cancer. I had been loosing appetite and had developed dislike for food. [Anorexia Nervosa] in between, I had also suffered from tumour on the right side of my head which gave me excruciating headache and giddiness. I lost orientation and would fall after walking for 30 seconds. As soon as cancer was diagnosed, I was immediately admitted to Government Civil Hospital. There they administered six chemotherapy sessions – one every 28th day. This further destroyed my appetite and all the hair on my head and body were gone. I suffered these agonies for more than three and half years when on April 27th 2002, three teams of Doctors and Oncologists advised me that I should prepare my will as I had only a few days left.

Beginning of the Miracle
Now, this was the phase when the divine miracle began to take shape. It was Sardar Kesar Singh, the owner of reputed "Kwality Group of Hotels and Restaurants" in Surat and his son Sardar Manjeet Singh, who suggested to me that I should undertake a pilgrimage to the holy Golden Temple at Amritsar and offer Akhand Path and Ardas with complete faith and total devotion and pray before Sri Guru Granth Sahib to cure me of my cancer and bless me with good vibrant health and long life to remain in his service. I initially, took this suggestion very lightly and argued back that I do not understand Punjabi or Gurumukhi and would therefore, not follow any word of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and whatever brief knowledge of Sikhism and Sri Guru Granth Sahib I acquired was in April of 1999, when I wrote six researched articles on the 300 years of Khalsa celebrations published in the Indian press. But, Sardar Kesar Singh, who is also the president of Gurdwara at Udhana – Surat, convinced me that Sri Guru Granth Sahib's blessings are not restricted to those who speak or understand Punjabi or Gurumukhi. It is the faith and sincere devotion to the Guru which makes you worthy of his blessings.

Inspiration and Dedication
I found Sardar Kesar Singh's advice very much inspiring. Moreover, my sister-in-law Miss Kunti, a staunch devotee of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a faithful follower of principles of Sikhism since her childhood, was equally instrumental in motivating me to undertake this pilgrimage. she taught me the basic philosophy of Sikhism and brought me a copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in English. My mother-in-law Ms. Shanti Hotchand Khatri, have a separate room at their bungalows at Baroda where they offer prayers, Ardas and listen to Shabad Kirtans every early morning. Their persuasion proved to be decisive.

The Miracle
So we left by Golden Temple Mail express train which departed from Surat at around 1-15 a.m. on April 29th 2002. We were received by the staff of Golden Temple and particularly Sardar Diljeet Singh Bedi who is in charge of liaisons with press and the public. Myself being a leading journalist, foreign-educated researcher and U.S.A. trained science writer, was given a VIP treatment and given accommodation in room no. 16 of Sri Arjan Dev Niwas. Since I had only a few days to live according to my doctors, they quickly made preparations for Akhand Path and Ardas after I paid Rs 2100 as fees. My wife Kanta, my daughter Halley and my brother-in-law's daughter Puja also sat with me. I was permitted to photograph and tape-record entire Akhand Path as well as Shabad Kirtans which I wanted to keep listening till I was to breathe my last on my death–bed.

Blessings
But I was never to be lying on my death-bed because the moment the Granthi started reciting the Akhand Path, I began to feel streams of energy entering and flowing thru my body. It rose majestically from the pages of Sri Guru Granth Sahib like a serene cool flame of light entering my body through my fingers. The excruciating pain which I had suffered while struggling to reach the Golden Temple also disappeared. After 48 hours, I got up on my own two feet and began to feel and enjoy such vibrant health that I almost ran with joy towards Sri Arjan Dev Niwas and quickly climbed the stairs to my room no. 16. My appetite returned. I first took bath and then visited Jaliyanwala Bagh and then went to the 'Hotel Cityheart' and for the first time in three and half years I enjoyed a variety of Punjabi and Chinese foods which I had missed like deserts miss the rains.

Return to Surat
We returned to Surat on 18th May 2002 and on 25th May again 'Bone Marrow Analysis' and 'Electrophoresis Tests' were done on my body. No cancer was detected. Hence, to obtain second medical opinion, the samples were sent to Mumbai and Ahmedabad and medical doctors there also confirmed that the 'Bone Cancer' is gone. My Oncologist at Ahemedabad Dr. Pankaj Shah was preparing for 'Stem Cells Transplant' on me, which was to have cost me Rs. nine lakhs. The entire medical world was taken by surprise. All doctors agreed that this is, indeed, a miracle because there is no medicine in Allopathy that can cure deadly cancer within 48 hours and effect a 180 degree change. The latest 'Electrophoresis' : 'Serum Protein Test' done is dated April 7th 2003 at Abha Clinical Laboratory. The doctors have signed this medical test report with comments : "No Melanomas Band."

Post-Miracle Analysis
I have preserved all the medical reports and x-rays done before and after the Akhand Path and Ardas at Golden Temple and they all tell the true story of my miraculous cure. Ever since this miracle, I am not only experiencing Guru's vibrations within me but also feel God's spiritual energy within me which inspires me and guides me in thought and deed, and vibrate in unison with him. I am joyfully back to "Cheers and Gears of Life", soulfully sharing my God-Given Spiritual Energy with those who love and faithfully listens to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and enrich their mind, body and soul with divinely vibrant health.

Chardi-Kala
Now, I am enjoying the life of guru-inspired faith and taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib and God as my constant companion. It is the miracle and the divine magnetic spell of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which I also realized through 'Naam Therapy' that has not only blessed me with healthy life but considering my greatly vibrant health, spiritual strength and new youthful looks and glamorous shining black hair, the same oncologists tell me that I am totally free of all kinds of diseases. I myself feel so close to the Guru that something tells me that I will live for 125 years and remain in Guru's service and bring true love, happiness and inspiration to all my friends.

My life has taken a spiritual turn. I get sound sleep without any sleeping pills. Since 25th April 2002, I am no longer on any medicine. I read Nitnem and get sound sleep and get up early to read Paath and enjoy Shabad Kirtan on Punjabi TV channel. Guru's teachings have gone a long way in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Guru has not only changed my destiny but made me a devotee with the faith that is not blind but enlightened.

Conclusion
So often, I see and meet Gurus in my dreams and they taught me a new healthy life-style to give happiness to others. I am never angry. I have no bad habits and always remain jovial. Now, my motto is: 'people enjoy the happiness they feel. But I enjoy the happiness I give. Guru's one of the teachings says : "Kirat Karani and Wand Chhakana" – Meaning, earn the fruits of your hard work 'Naam Japana'; and share your fruits with others with love. I believe in the Sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when he is silent. There is one God. God is truth. He is the creator of the universe and all beings. He is without fear and without hatred. He is the eternal being and the divine soul, birth less, self enlightened. He is enemy to none. Through grace of the Satguru he is met. Diseases and sins are destroyed by hearing the name of God says Guru Nanak. The Name, revealed to me by Guru's advice, is the breath of my life and the praise of the lord is my life's vocation. "Truth is great but greater than truth is truthful living" says Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Khalsa belongs to [the Wondrous Guru] God; all victory of is the victory of [the Wondrous Guru] Wahe Guruji ka Khalsa – Wahe Guruji ki Fateh.

Seeker Of Truth

After years of searching, the seeker was told to go to a cave, in which he would find a well. 'Ask the well what is truth', he was advised, 'and the well will reveal it to you'. Having found the well, the seeker asked that most fundamental question. And from the depths came the answer, 'Go to the village crossroad: there you shall find what you are seeking'.

Full of hope and anticipation the man ran to the crossroad to find only three rather uninteresting shops. One shop was selling pieces of metal, another sold wood, and thin wires were for sale in the third. Nothing and no one there seemed to have much to do with the revelation of truth.

Disappointed, the seeker returned to the well to demand an explanation, but he was told only, 'You will understand in the future.' When the man protested, all he got in return were the echoes of his own shouts. Indignant for having been made a fool of - or so he thought at the time - the seeker continued his wanderings in search of truth.. As years went by, the memory of his experience at the well gradually faded until one night, while he was walking in the moonlight, the sound of sitar music caught his attention. It was wonderful music and it was played with great mastery and inspiration.

Profoundly moved, the truth seeker felt drawn towards the player. He looked at the fingers dancing over the strings. He became aware of the sitar itself. And then suddenly he exploded in a cry of joyous recognition: the sitar was made out of wires and pieces of metal and wood just like those he had once seen in the three stores and had thought it to be without any particular significance.

At last he understood the message of the well: we have already been given everything we need: our task is to assemble and use it in the appropriate way. Nothing is meaningful so long as we perceive only separate fragments. But as soon as the fragments come together into a cohesive combination, a new entity emerges, whose nature we could not have foreseen by considering the fragments alone.

Meditation is Action, Feeling, Understanding and Being

By Swami Nikhilananda
The first step in meditation is at the level of action. It is being mindful of what we are doing. Learn to meditate whilst performing action. This is done with a sense of service and an awareness of being an instrument in the hands of a higher power.
Any action done with an attitude of offering bestows feelings of joy. It is not necessary to sit at one place or go to Rishikesh in order to meditate. With the right attitude kept in mind, even when a person fights for his country, he is in meditation.
Observe great singers, dancers and artists - when they perform, free of any ego or pride, they tune themselves, becoming instruments in the hands of the Lord. Then what flow through is perfect. This is meditation in action.
The next step in meditation is at the level of feeling - to experience the feeling of love for God and for all His creatures. Meera Bai and Tulsidas were in a constant state of meditation, because they loved and saw God in everything around them.
Being in a state of love is to be in a state of meditation. Then, even with our eyes open, going about our daily work in the world, we are ‘in meditation’. When we express deep feelings of love and respect towards what we love and revere, in thought, word or action, we are in meditation. Seeing the whole world as an expression of God, and being in love with Nature or the inner Self is being in meditation.
Once Narada Muni saw a gopi sitting alone lost in her thoughts. The gopi was yearning to be with her beloved Lord Krishna. The muni asked if she had studied the Scriptures and learnt how to reach the Lord, or whether she had gone through the different stages of meditation to attain the ultimate state of oneness with Him. The gopi innocently said that she only knew that she was in love with Krishna, and whenever and wherever she thought of her Lord, she found herself with Him. Her love was her meditation and not the study of the Scriptures. Through devotion and love alone she experienced ultimate bliss.
Meditation is feeling compassion, friendship, humility, and love for that principle of Oneness pervading all beings and objects of this world. When Jesus Christ was being crucified, he cried out in prayer, “Oh Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. They are acting out of ignorance.” In that state of forgiveness, Jesus was in meditation. Meditation is not just sitting erect, controlling the breath and fighting the mind. We are in meditation by loving God, Nature and upholding higher values in our heart.

We experience meditation in understanding the true nature of the Universe, through the intellect or buddhi. The philosophy of division sees differences, creates hatred, violence, misery, and agitation in the mind. This cannot give us peace and quietude. The Vedanta philosophy of Advaita views the whole cosmos and every thing in it as pervaded with Ishwara or God. Through touching, seeing, smelling, hearing and tasting we transact with God alone. See the whole Universe as one family---Vasudhaiva kutumbakam. In this understanding of Oneness, we are in a state of meditation.
The highest state of meditation is at the level of being. To reach that state of meditation, we do not have to do anything, because just being is meditation. That is why we are called human beings! In this state we identify with the core or divinity in us - the Principle of Consciousness and Bliss. A person in this state of joy is in a state of meditation. All realized masters reached that state of effortless meditation, by just being aware of the present moment. Learn from the past, plan for the future but live in the present, in the ‘now’, aware of your real Self. Living in the present alone, gives the necessary alertness to effectively respond to all kinds of situations.
To experience peace, happiness and fulfillment in life, practice meditation - in action, feeling, understanding and just being. To achieve the best, perform actions with complete awareness and mindfulness, combined with a sense of service. Consider yourself an instrument in the hands of a higher power. Recognize negative emotions such as greed, jealously, fear and anger. Endeavour to overcome them with feelings of love. Love is divine; love is giving, not demanding. We do not fall in love; we rise in love with God. Realize your oneness with all living beings, nature, and the cosmos. Succeed in the practice of meditation and experience the joy and bliss of being.