Editor,
Apropos the letter, ‘Why demean our mothers?’ by Sujit De, (ST, July 26, 2018), and other letters by the same writer which were direct or veiled attacks on a particular faith and its culture, I have to say that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. But far more dangerous is when that little knowledge is spread in society and propelled by the fuel of prejudice.
Having read that letter I immediately contacted some of the top scholars in Kerala for hands-on verification on whether ‘women’ are being despised or not. Since one of my books is translated into their language, I did that with ease. Not a single scholar (women included) was of the view that they, or the temple management of Sabarimala, have ever “despised women”, or hated “menstruation”. I rather got an earful for asking such absurd questions. They instantly reiterated referring to Hindu scriptures which teach all and one to look upon women as motherly figures. One scholar remarked, “this confrontation has actually been orchestrated by politicians with the help of certain forces which want to demean our culture.” I heaved a sigh of relief!
Indeed all ancient Hindu scriptures put the female on the same footing as the male. But some vested interests with an ulterior motive have been distorting history/legends of India and also merrily belittling or ignoring the rich literary treasure trove of the country. It was first done by the British in order to divide and rule Indians. In that they were very successful. And later, the legacy has been faithfully and aggressively carried forward by Indian intellectuals influenced by certain thinkers of the West.
Well, the seers of ancient India not only knew as information, but “fully realized” that everything, in and out, is pervaded by “Brahman” (Almighty). Modern science too has arrived at the same conclusion. The father of Quantum Mechanics — Erwin Schrodinger has scientifically discussed this fact in his world-famous book – “What is Life?.” All knowledge associated with the Oneness of the Universe and “Unity in Diversity” are systematically enshrined in 108 Upanishads. They expound with a force that “Purusha” (male) and “Pratriki” (female) both combine themselves to put forth the infinite Cosmic Creation. One without the other is like fire without the heat. They are mutually complementary, inter-dependent and inter-related. Discrimination of any kind, not just against women, but even against tiny “insects” and “plants” are considered irreligious. I would request Sujit De to read between the lines from the literature authored by Sri Aurobindo and Vivekananda which he loves to quote very often. If still his doubts persist then let him contact me directly. But then he should come to me with the baggage of prejudices well shaken off first.
Regarding menstruation, the seers of ancient India set down certain do’s and don’ts. It’s no exaggeration that they realized all intricacies of not only the tangible body and but also the various sheaths of “spiritual” bodies (five sheaths mentioned in Upanishads). The areas of study are very vast. They caution that a woman during her monthly cycle should abstain from religious public rituals, but can perform personal spiritual practice. Of course several do’s and don’ts set by ancient seers are beyond the understanding of mundane people with limited five senses and scattered minds. It is absurd to interpret this as a practice of “untouchability”. A medical doctor will never allow you to enter the ICU unless you are well washed. Is not everything there meticulously sterilized? Do you say that the hospital is practicing untouchability? Going through the letters of Sujit De which are not well researched I fervently wish that one has deeper knowledge of the subjects. Moreover, the cosmic ocean of Indian wisdom is so deep, that it has explained many inconceivable laws and principles which are seemingly out-of- the -box and discriminatory.
I suggest that Mr De should stop selectively picking up a few odds and using them to demean this vast culture of knowledge. The Vedanta should not be viewed through the narrow prism of Karl Marx and Lenin. Even their favorite master Fredrick Hegel (front ranking philosopher of the West), with reverence praised the depth of ancient wisdom, “It strikes everyone in beginning to form an acquaintance with the treasures of Indian literature, that a land so rich in intellectual products and those of the “profoundest” order of thought”. How I wish that a dagger is not wielded by an untrained person else it will be disastrous! Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Via email
Progress and change
Editor,
George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” If we want to make progress, we must have the courage to find our own faults and then start rectifying them. Those who think that they are absolutely perfect persons have unfortunately reached a dead end in their inner journey.
It is hardly possible to change others by words. However, there is always room for self-purification not according to any ritual or religion but in the light of humanity. When we become successful in improving in just one aspect of our character, we naturally become living examples of that very quality and send positive inspirations to others to follow suit. It is rightly said that actions speak louder than words.
The problem arises when our minds get tired and pessimistic. In such an unhealthy condition of mind, we start glorifying the past and labeling the present as totally bad. It is true that we need always to be critical about the present and should find ways for improvement. But it does not mean that we must go backwards. There is no way to deny that things were much uglier during primitive jungle raj, in ancient slave society or in police states than in modern times of welfare states.
“Progress is the attraction that moves humanity”, said Marcus Garvey. When we do not feel that attraction, we, so to speak, stop living. There is a beautiful saying in Bengali ~ joto din banchi toto din shikhi ~ it means that we learn so long as we live.
A person must always try to be humane; otherwise it will be like writing his or her own obituary. As the Mother (spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo) said, “The purpose of earthly life is progress. If you stop progressing you will die. Every moment that you spend without progressing is one step closer to your grave.”,
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata