ASP.NET is more than the next version of Active Server Pages (ASP); it is a unified Web development platform that provides the services necessary for developers to build enterprise-class Web applications. While ASP.NET is largely syntax compatible with ASP, it also provides a new programming model and infrastructure for more secure, scalable, and stable applications. You can feel free to augment your existing ASP applications by incrementally adding ASP.NET functionality to them.
ASP.NET is a compiled,. NET-based environment; you can author applications in any .NET compatible language, including Visual Basic .NET, C#, and JScript .NET. Additionally, the entire .NET Framework is available to any ASP.NET application. Developers can easily access the benefits of these technologies, which include the managed common language runtime environment, type safety, inheritance, and so on.
ASP.NET has been designed to work seamlessly with WYSIWYG HTML editors and other programming tools, including Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. Not only does this make Web development easier, but it also provides all the benefits that these tools have to offer, including a GUI that developers can use to drop server controls onto a Web page and fully integrated debugging support.
Developers can choose from the following two features when creating an ASP.NET application, Web Forms and Web services, or combine these in any way they see fit. Each is supported by the same infrastructure that allows you to use authentication schemes, cache frequently used data, or customize your application's configuration, to name only a few possibilities.
Web Forms allows you to build powerful forms-based Web pages. When building these pages, you can use ASP.NET server controls to create common UI elements, and program them for common tasks. These controls allow you to rapidly build a Web Form out of reusable built-in or custom components, simplifying the code of a page. For more information, see Web Forms Pages. For information on how to develop ASP.NET server controls, see Developing ASP.NET Server Controls
An XML Web service provides the means to access server functionality remotely. Using Web services, businesses can expose programmatic interfaces to their data or business logic, which in turn can be obtained and manipulated by client and server applications. XML Web services enable the exchange of data in client-server or server-server scenarios, using standards like HTTP and XML messaging to move data across firewalls. XML Web services are not tied to a particular component technology or object-calling convention. As a result, programs written in any language, using any component model, and running on any operating system can access XML Web services. For more information, see XML Web Services and XML Web Service Clients Created Using ASP.NET
Each of these models can take full advantage of all ASP.NET features, as well as the power of the .NET Framework and .NET Framework common language runtime. These features and how you can use them are outlined as follows:
If you have ASP development skills, the new ASP.NET programming model will seem very familiar to you. However, the ASP.NET object model has changed significantly from ASP, making it more structured and object-oriented. Unfortunately this means that ASP.NET is not fully backward compatible; almost all existing ASP pages will have to be modified to some extent in order to run under ASP.NET. In addition, major changes to Visual Basic .NET mean that existing ASP pages written with Visual Basic Scripting Edition typically will not port directly to ASP.NET. In most cases, though, the necessary changes will involve only a few lines of code. For more information, see Migrating from ASP to ASP.NET
Accessing databases from ASP.NET applications is an often-used technique for displaying data to Web site visitors. ASP.NET makes it easier than ever to access databases for this purpose. It also allows you to manage the database from your code. For more information, see Accessing Data with ASP.NET
ASP.NET provides a simple model that enables Web developers to write logic that runs at the application level. Developers can write this code in the global.asax text file or in a compiled class deployed as an assembly. This logic can include application-level events, but developers can easily extend this model to suit the needs of their Web application. For more information, see ASP.NET Applications
ASP.NET provides easy-to-use application and session-state facilities that are familiar to ASP developers and are readily compatible with all other .NET Framework APIs. For more information, see ASP.NET State Management
For advanced developers who want to use APIs as powerful as the ISAPI programming interfaces that were included with previous versions of ASP, ASP.NET offers the IHttpHandler and IHttpModule interfaces. Implementing the IHttpHandler interface gives you a means of interacting with the low-level request and response services of the IIS Web server and provides functionality much like ISAPI extensions, but with a simpler programming model. Implementing the IHttpModule interface allows you to include custom events that participate in every request made to your application. For more information, see HTTP Runtime Support
ASP.NET takes advantage of performance enhancements found in the .NET Framework and common language runtime. Additionally, it has been designed to offer significant performance improvements over ASP and other Web development platforms. All ASP.NET code is compiled, rather than interpreted, which allows early binding, strong typing, and just-in-time (JIT) compilation to native code, to name only a few of its benefits. ASP.NET is also easily factorable, meaning that developers can remove modules (a session module, for instance) that are not relevant to the application they are developing. ASP.NET also provides extensive caching services (both built-in services and caching APIs). ASP.NET also ships with performance counters that developers and system administrators can monitor to test new applications and gather metrics on existing applications. For more information, see ASP.NET Caching Features and ASP.NET Optimization
Writing custom debug statements to your Web page can help immensely in troubleshooting your application's code. However, it can cause embarrassment if it is not removed. The problem is that removing the debug statements from your pages when your application is ready to be ported to a production server can require significant effort. ASP.NET offers the Trace Context class, which allows you to write custom debug statements to your pages as you develop them. They appear only when you have enabled tracing for a page or entire application. Enabling tracing also appends details about a request to the page, or, if you so specify, to a custom trace viewer that is stored in the root directory of your application. For more information, see ASP.NET Trace
The .NET Framework and ASP.NET provide default authorization and authentication schemes for Web applications. You can easily remove, add to, or replace these schemes, depending upon the needs of your application. For more information, see ASP.NET Web Application Security
ASP.NET configuration settings are stored in XML-based files, which are human readable and writable. Each of your applications can have a distinct configuration file and you can extend the configuration scheme to suit your requirements. For more information, see ASP.NET Configuration
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ac shock Vs Dc shock
Shock shocks everyone; shakes some people. There exist two elements in what we call as, electrical power. They are voltage and current. The product of voltage and current gives out power (a Dc power) and when it is multiplied by cos 0.8, it is Ac power.
In Ac, both the current and voltage are alternative and in Dc, it is constant. Ac goes in a cyclic sine wane. The number of cycles per second is called frequency of the wave.
Now let us come to our point. What would happen if you receive a shock from a Dc source and an Ac source? In Dc, you will stick with the current and you will die. In Ac, you will get Micro second gap where both current and voltage becomes zero. In that time, your brain will act vigorously to save you. So if you are about to receive any shock in the future, make sure. It’s an Ac source. Otherwise, don't go nearby.
In Ac, both the current and voltage are alternative and in Dc, it is constant. Ac goes in a cyclic sine wane. The number of cycles per second is called frequency of the wave.
Now let us come to our point. What would happen if you receive a shock from a Dc source and an Ac source? In Dc, you will stick with the current and you will die. In Ac, you will get Micro second gap where both current and voltage becomes zero. In that time, your brain will act vigorously to save you. So if you are about to receive any shock in the future, make sure. It’s an Ac source. Otherwise, don't go nearby.
ask for ASK...
Whichever field you are related to, whatever aim you desired to, In order to shine wherever you go and to achieve whatever you dream, you have to have ASK with you. Without ASK you can not reach, get anything.
ASK can be abbreviated as Attitude, Skill and Knowledge. All the three are backbone of everyone who wants to reach heights. The first and foremost is the attitude. Without having a good attitude, you can never, never, never achieve your dreams. You might see some creatures sitting at high posts though they don't deserve that. Don't worry soon, very soon they will go deep into the ground in such a way that they cannot come back.
Next comes skill, followed by knowledge. Once you have got good attitude, your mind will be open to get any kind of skill and knowledge and it trains you to excel in what you learn. If God gives me a wish, I'll ask him for ASK. What about you?
ASK can be abbreviated as Attitude, Skill and Knowledge. All the three are backbone of everyone who wants to reach heights. The first and foremost is the attitude. Without having a good attitude, you can never, never, never achieve your dreams. You might see some creatures sitting at high posts though they don't deserve that. Don't worry soon, very soon they will go deep into the ground in such a way that they cannot come back.
Next comes skill, followed by knowledge. Once you have got good attitude, your mind will be open to get any kind of skill and knowledge and it trains you to excel in what you learn. If God gives me a wish, I'll ask him for ASK. What about you?
Captcha Vs AI
One of the most used technologies in internet is Captcha technology. It is a scrambled text that appears on the screen to stop spamming bots entering into a system or network. Only human, because of his intelligence can find the answer from a Captcha scrambled text.
There are projects which work on AI (Artificial Intelligence). These projects deal with image processing. On the success and advancement of these projects, it will results in the ability of a computer to recognize the actual text from a scrambled text. Therefore there rises a question for security.
I was thinking about how to deal this new technology. We cannot stop the advancement in this technology since it can be used to lot and lots of useful things. When technology goes to wrong heads, it will be used in a wrong way. We cannot prohibit the technology from going to wrong hands. All we can do is to make the present security method powerful. Recently I saw a Captcha system which was asking simple logical questions. Now, there is no security threat for next decade.
There are projects which work on AI (Artificial Intelligence). These projects deal with image processing. On the success and advancement of these projects, it will results in the ability of a computer to recognize the actual text from a scrambled text. Therefore there rises a question for security.
I was thinking about how to deal this new technology. We cannot stop the advancement in this technology since it can be used to lot and lots of useful things. When technology goes to wrong heads, it will be used in a wrong way. We cannot prohibit the technology from going to wrong hands. All we can do is to make the present security method powerful. Recently I saw a Captcha system which was asking simple logical questions. Now, there is no security threat for next decade.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Broadband...
When internet came to commercial purpose, people were using dial up connections. Even now, in many backward countries and in remote villages, people still uses dial up for internet.
Dial up has become "aged" word for all the city based internet users. When dial up was in usage, the main draw back is the speed and unavailability of phone when we use internet. We can not use the telephone while we are accessing internet. We can neither get calls nor dial calls. The speed was also too slow.
Then came the master. Broad band made a revolution in internet world. People were able to use telephone simultaneously when they use internet and the speed of internet went so high such that they have to wait for just few seconds for ultra high graphics sites too.
The internet technology started its career only after the evolution of broadband I would say. All these Blogging, sharing, live stream and everything is possible just because of broad band.
Now people are working on the technology which offers us even faster internet connection. Let’s hope for a better technology and better world.
Dial up has become "aged" word for all the city based internet users. When dial up was in usage, the main draw back is the speed and unavailability of phone when we use internet. We can not use the telephone while we are accessing internet. We can neither get calls nor dial calls. The speed was also too slow.
Then came the master. Broad band made a revolution in internet world. People were able to use telephone simultaneously when they use internet and the speed of internet went so high such that they have to wait for just few seconds for ultra high graphics sites too.
The internet technology started its career only after the evolution of broadband I would say. All these Blogging, sharing, live stream and everything is possible just because of broad band.
Now people are working on the technology which offers us even faster internet connection. Let’s hope for a better technology and better world.
Eye lids...
I have a habit. Once in a blue moon I think about the mercy of Almighty on us.
It was a dry night I guess. I was into my bed; started thinking about many things in the world. At last, my thinking came to a corner. I started thinking about the use of eye lids. The necessity, advantage, merits or what ever.
Take a minute and think this... What will happen if there are no eye lids for us, the humans?
Imagine the dirt getting into our eyes, flash lights and heavy luminous lights falling directly into our eyes. Above everything what will happen for our sleep? I am damn sure that no one can sleep without eye lids. To an extreme, some people need an eye cover to go for sleep.
Our eye lids works as a wiper, cleaner, softener and so on. What not the eye lids do? After thinking all these I don't have anything to say except, "Almighty God, Is
The Greatest of everything..."
It was a dry night I guess. I was into my bed; started thinking about many things in the world. At last, my thinking came to a corner. I started thinking about the use of eye lids. The necessity, advantage, merits or what ever.
Take a minute and think this... What will happen if there are no eye lids for us, the humans?
Imagine the dirt getting into our eyes, flash lights and heavy luminous lights falling directly into our eyes. Above everything what will happen for our sleep? I am damn sure that no one can sleep without eye lids. To an extreme, some people need an eye cover to go for sleep.
Our eye lids works as a wiper, cleaner, softener and so on. What not the eye lids do? After thinking all these I don't have anything to say except, "Almighty God, Is
The Greatest of everything..."
haiku
I have read many haikus since i have interest in reading. Few haikus made me amaze. But many haikus were not at all worth to appreciate. The rules for haiku are, it has to be written in three lines only, not more than that. The first line shows depict a scene, the next has to depict a scene and the third line should have a content that totally makes a twist on the poem.
The third line is very important in haiku. It is where the haiku gets a turning point. The third line should take the first two lines into a different dimension. Most of the haiku poems which are appreciated not at all worth in fact. They depict a normal scene and a normal turning point. I have tried a haiku... here it is...
health is
not wealth
for hospitals...
How is it ?
The third line is very important in haiku. It is where the haiku gets a turning point. The third line should take the first two lines into a different dimension. Most of the haiku poems which are appreciated not at all worth in fact. They depict a normal scene and a normal turning point. I have tried a haiku... here it is...
health is
not wealth
for hospitals...
How is it ?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
"Hi man..."
After the wonderful chats we had, I was allowed to use the word "man" with that person. As I read psychology books, I was able to judge her. Hope you would have noticed the last word of the last sentence. As per my guess, she is a little bit innocent, little bit "gangster", little bit good girl too. We had nothing as an expectation. We talked, talked and talked. I did not know what we talked. We cannot see the seed of any tree or plant. But we can see them growing tall and tall. Like wise, I do not know which the seed is and when and where it got a place. I can feel some thing growing. Apart from bonding, some thing was growing too. I was able to feel it from my behaviors. The differences in my behaviors are stated in my other blog. You can check out there to know more.
LOTUS TEMPLE IN DELHI…
Visualizing brutal polarization of religion, Bab a Persian youth, laid the foundation of a new faith, a new religion the embrace to entire human race, on May 23, 1844.
Known the world over the Bahai, it comprises individuals from virtually every country, ethnic group, profession and social class. In spite of their diverse moorings, the Bahais study a common set of sacred writing, observe universal religious laws and look to a single international governing system for guidance.
The Bahai history in India goes back to 1872, when Jamel Effendi, a Persian scholar, was instructed by Baha’u’llah to present the new Faith to Indian Dignitaries. On 24th December 1986, the two million Bahais of India, realized their long cherished dream of offering silent prayers in their own lotus temple in Delhi.
It is a unique place of worship. Spread over 27 acres with 27 petal-shaped domes and nine pods of peace, this oasis was designed by noted Iranian architect Fariburz Sahba. Its main structure comprises dolomitic marble stone from Alwar (Rajasthan), marble from Greece and white cement form Korea.
Called the Taj Mahal of the 20th century, this unique place of worship owes much of its elegance to the basic motif of the lotus (implying unity in diversity) aptly translated into reality by computer-aided designing.
The central hemispherical prayer hall with a seating capacity of 1300 is open only to those who believe in praying in silence. Neither rituals nor sermons are permitted in the sanctum sanctorum. It has become a tourist attraction and the greenery and peaceful surrounds tell its own tale. For the spiritually inclined a visit is suggested for its majestic architecture and the international material that has gone into it an inspiring spectacle indeed.
Known the world over the Bahai, it comprises individuals from virtually every country, ethnic group, profession and social class. In spite of their diverse moorings, the Bahais study a common set of sacred writing, observe universal religious laws and look to a single international governing system for guidance.
The Bahai history in India goes back to 1872, when Jamel Effendi, a Persian scholar, was instructed by Baha’u’llah to present the new Faith to Indian Dignitaries. On 24th December 1986, the two million Bahais of India, realized their long cherished dream of offering silent prayers in their own lotus temple in Delhi.
It is a unique place of worship. Spread over 27 acres with 27 petal-shaped domes and nine pods of peace, this oasis was designed by noted Iranian architect Fariburz Sahba. Its main structure comprises dolomitic marble stone from Alwar (Rajasthan), marble from Greece and white cement form Korea.
Called the Taj Mahal of the 20th century, this unique place of worship owes much of its elegance to the basic motif of the lotus (implying unity in diversity) aptly translated into reality by computer-aided designing.
The central hemispherical prayer hall with a seating capacity of 1300 is open only to those who believe in praying in silence. Neither rituals nor sermons are permitted in the sanctum sanctorum. It has become a tourist attraction and the greenery and peaceful surrounds tell its own tale. For the spiritually inclined a visit is suggested for its majestic architecture and the international material that has gone into it an inspiring spectacle indeed.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
LEARN TO TAKE A BACK SEAT...
Some people are compulsive exhibitionists. You can find them almost anywhere they would do anything to get noticed. At a wedding, they want to be the bridegroom and at a funeral, the corpse.
Julius Caesar, who was an incorrigible egotist, was kidnapped when he was a child. He was held for a ransom of 11,000 gold pieces. Horrified, he exhorted his captors to raise the ransom amount to 2,50,000 gold pieces so as to preserve his prestige.
William Shakespeare said: "Praises are my wages. Agreed American writer Mark Twain: "I can live an entire week on compliments alone." More recently, musician Elton John said: "Even if I had only a single finger left, I would play the piano to be loved."
There are very few people who do not like being the centre of attraction. They are the ones who are able to derive their nourishment from within. They are the true giants of humanity; the others are insignificant.
The truly great are those who know their weaknesses and are not afraid to admit them. They accept their limitation and blend with the crowd because they know that when it comes to the basics, everyone is the same.
Whether rich or poor, American Afghan or Indian, we all have the same emotion deep within us to protect the family, educate children, provide for health care, to be free to walk the streets in safety, to have time for oneself, to contribute to the good of the world and to leave one's mark, however small, on history. And the last is something all human beings do for better or for worse. Even an ant does not go through this world without effecting its outcome in some way.
From the worldly perspective, humility can be imbibed by realising that the population of the planet is six billion. If there was only one person on earth, he would have all the rights of law, legislation, amendment and ownershop.
Today, six billion people share equal rights that is just one six billionth rights per person. Yet, unable to come to terms with this reality, some people behave as through they are owners of the planet.
They are unable to take a back seat in any subject. They demand to be glorified and welcomed at every meeting. To sustain their narcissistic beliefs, some can go to the extent of humiliating others under any banner or guise, whether it be religion, country or justice.
God-consciousness is the permanent cure for egomania. Ego usually translates into 'he-go' or 'she-go'. With god-consciousness, it transforms into 'I-go'. When one realises the infinite greatness and glory of god, where is there room for self-pride?"
King Canute, who ruled England in the 11th century, one day placed his golden throne on teh seashore. He sat on his throne and waited for the tide to come in. Eventually it did and wetted his feet. He repeatedly ordered the tide to go back, but it did not. In fact, it returned with even greater fury and overturned his throne.
Canute threw off his crown and never wore it again. It was sherpa Tenzing who said: "It is with god Himself as it is with a great mountain. The important thing is to come to Him not with fear, but with love."
Julius Caesar, who was an incorrigible egotist, was kidnapped when he was a child. He was held for a ransom of 11,000 gold pieces. Horrified, he exhorted his captors to raise the ransom amount to 2,50,000 gold pieces so as to preserve his prestige.
William Shakespeare said: "Praises are my wages. Agreed American writer Mark Twain: "I can live an entire week on compliments alone." More recently, musician Elton John said: "Even if I had only a single finger left, I would play the piano to be loved."
There are very few people who do not like being the centre of attraction. They are the ones who are able to derive their nourishment from within. They are the true giants of humanity; the others are insignificant.
The truly great are those who know their weaknesses and are not afraid to admit them. They accept their limitation and blend with the crowd because they know that when it comes to the basics, everyone is the same.
Whether rich or poor, American Afghan or Indian, we all have the same emotion deep within us to protect the family, educate children, provide for health care, to be free to walk the streets in safety, to have time for oneself, to contribute to the good of the world and to leave one's mark, however small, on history. And the last is something all human beings do for better or for worse. Even an ant does not go through this world without effecting its outcome in some way.
From the worldly perspective, humility can be imbibed by realising that the population of the planet is six billion. If there was only one person on earth, he would have all the rights of law, legislation, amendment and ownershop.
Today, six billion people share equal rights that is just one six billionth rights per person. Yet, unable to come to terms with this reality, some people behave as through they are owners of the planet.
They are unable to take a back seat in any subject. They demand to be glorified and welcomed at every meeting. To sustain their narcissistic beliefs, some can go to the extent of humiliating others under any banner or guise, whether it be religion, country or justice.
God-consciousness is the permanent cure for egomania. Ego usually translates into 'he-go' or 'she-go'. With god-consciousness, it transforms into 'I-go'. When one realises the infinite greatness and glory of god, where is there room for self-pride?"
King Canute, who ruled England in the 11th century, one day placed his golden throne on teh seashore. He sat on his throne and waited for the tide to come in. Eventually it did and wetted his feet. He repeatedly ordered the tide to go back, but it did not. In fact, it returned with even greater fury and overturned his throne.
Canute threw off his crown and never wore it again. It was sherpa Tenzing who said: "It is with god Himself as it is with a great mountain. The important thing is to come to Him not with fear, but with love."
A TIME FOR LOVE...
All kinds of separatism have spread their influence around the globe. But on days like Janmashtami such notions are set aside, and the spirit of goodness pervades even teh chronically evil-minded. Kindness spring forth. The spirit of the Gita appears to enter public consciousness, and feeling of righteousness permeate affecting the minds and hearts of all.
Festove accasions are not limitied to national pride; they include religious celebrations. History indicates that humans are on their best behaviour during such events. A special glow fills the air even during monsoon. Janamashtami is observed in India in August end. It is also observed in countries where Indians are settled in good number.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has made this day a festival of enormous scope and reach: particularly in English attitudes towards India's Vedic culture were not always the best and endeavour is needed to build up the spirit.
Vrindavan Das Thakur, who wrote "Chaitanya Bhagavat" about 500 years ago, prophesied that the name of god would resound in every village and city of the world, even in England so he said.
Consider the big picture: the Lord of creation appears when there is a decline of religious practice, or so Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita. But his arrival into this world also takes place in the form of the holy name.
The Vedas amplify the biblical truth that the word or name of god and god, are one "The word was with god and the word was god."
One feels this presence more powerfully during festivals like Janmashtami. Still people ask: "How can god be born if by definition. He is the source of all creation?" In answer one could say: "If He is all-powerful and the source of everything that be, He can do what he pleases."
One of Janmashtami's meanings is that even the tragic loss of Devaki's six infants, before the Lord's birth, is a transcendental event.
These children were in a previous birth the six sons of Marici, or the six garbhasuras, who Kansa liberated from a vile curse. In other words this means all who celebrate Krishna's birth are released from six material shackles of lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy.
As we are all part of god, when we become servants of His desire, we leave the confinement of selfish pursuits.
Surrender to Krishna's love yields the unlimited liberty we all so dearly cherish to be all that we can be.
The main theme of Krishna's life and teachings is Karma yoga, the art of striving for both personal protection and social effeciency.
Festove accasions are not limitied to national pride; they include religious celebrations. History indicates that humans are on their best behaviour during such events. A special glow fills the air even during monsoon. Janamashtami is observed in India in August end. It is also observed in countries where Indians are settled in good number.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has made this day a festival of enormous scope and reach: particularly in English attitudes towards India's Vedic culture were not always the best and endeavour is needed to build up the spirit.
Vrindavan Das Thakur, who wrote "Chaitanya Bhagavat" about 500 years ago, prophesied that the name of god would resound in every village and city of the world, even in England so he said.
Consider the big picture: the Lord of creation appears when there is a decline of religious practice, or so Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita. But his arrival into this world also takes place in the form of the holy name.
The Vedas amplify the biblical truth that the word or name of god and god, are one "The word was with god and the word was god."
One feels this presence more powerfully during festivals like Janmashtami. Still people ask: "How can god be born if by definition. He is the source of all creation?" In answer one could say: "If He is all-powerful and the source of everything that be, He can do what he pleases."
One of Janmashtami's meanings is that even the tragic loss of Devaki's six infants, before the Lord's birth, is a transcendental event.
These children were in a previous birth the six sons of Marici, or the six garbhasuras, who Kansa liberated from a vile curse. In other words this means all who celebrate Krishna's birth are released from six material shackles of lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy.
As we are all part of god, when we become servants of His desire, we leave the confinement of selfish pursuits.
Surrender to Krishna's love yields the unlimited liberty we all so dearly cherish to be all that we can be.
The main theme of Krishna's life and teachings is Karma yoga, the art of striving for both personal protection and social effeciency.
JOINT FAMILY SYSTEM...
A joint family comprises members of the family that are related to one another and share a common ancestry, religion, and property. All the working members of the family pool together what they earn and hand them over to the head who is usually the eldest.
The family head takes care of the entire family. Any member who brings in extra money has equal status. Hence, the joint family puts into practice the concept: "To each according to his needs, from each according to his abilities.”The idea is socialistic in character.
The joint family system is a feature of agricultural societies. These are in existence in countries as China and India whose economy is based on agricultural produce. Collective living, collective farming and collective share in family wealth are the traditional features of the joint.
The joint family preserves the tradition, customs and manners handed down to it. Traditional culture and skill in art and craft are safeguarded from generation to generation. There is division of labour where the members attend to different work and contribute to the welfare of the family as a unit.
A joint family provides an ideal setting for culture of virtues. The foundation of joint family is based of cooperation and unselfishness and tolerance. Children are taught from young age the virtues of patience, respect for elders, discipline, good habits. Each thing has to be shared. The congenial atmosphere becomes a nursery for the cultivation of virtues.
For persons living in nuclear families there is a feeling of insecurity. This feeling of insecurity is not there in a joint family where the unemployed, the sick, the aged and the handicaped are well taken care of. There is a sense of social security, and old age and illness are not looked upon with fear:
In a nuclear family, a working mother tries her best to strike a balance between service and household chores. At the same time she tries to be a good mother and a good wife. However, the joint system may at times prove a hindrance to individual enterprise and initiative.
The joint family has a number of advantages. However, it does not always work. When many people of different mentality and disposition live under one common roof, negative human traits are bound to crop up. Members then have a tendency to stress on their rights and ignore their duties. When this kind of attitude prevails, the atmosphere is not conducive to peace and harmony.
With many changes in the political, social and economic spheres, the Hindu joint family appears to be outmoded for present times. Joint property goes hand in hand with the joint family. When the joint family property is divided, the joint family gets dismembered.
Today technical skill is acquired in professional fields by training in technical institutions. It need not be passed on from generation to generation.
Modern means of communication and the trend of urbanising rural areas have brought new ideas and a new society has evolved which is in close touch with cities that offer all the comforts and joys of modern life. Thus, the joint family system is lessening.
Also, the feeling of social security present in a joint family often makes the members idle and lazy. Hand work is rarely rewarded and laziness seldom punished. Thus members lose initiative. There is also lack of dynamism.
There could be resistance to new customs and progressive ideas of young people by the elder generation. Old customs and traditions are enforced without finding out the views of the young. Lack of privacy may adversely affect freedom of couples or individualism in a joint.
There are advantages and disadvantages. Much depends on the nature of individual members. In rural areas, nature of people is always simple and cooperative. In the final, much depends on the degree of adaptability of the members comprising the joint whether they are refined personalities or otherwise whether they would cherish the blessings of a joint or whether they would prefer to stay separate.
The family head takes care of the entire family. Any member who brings in extra money has equal status. Hence, the joint family puts into practice the concept: "To each according to his needs, from each according to his abilities.”The idea is socialistic in character.
The joint family system is a feature of agricultural societies. These are in existence in countries as China and India whose economy is based on agricultural produce. Collective living, collective farming and collective share in family wealth are the traditional features of the joint.
The joint family preserves the tradition, customs and manners handed down to it. Traditional culture and skill in art and craft are safeguarded from generation to generation. There is division of labour where the members attend to different work and contribute to the welfare of the family as a unit.
A joint family provides an ideal setting for culture of virtues. The foundation of joint family is based of cooperation and unselfishness and tolerance. Children are taught from young age the virtues of patience, respect for elders, discipline, good habits. Each thing has to be shared. The congenial atmosphere becomes a nursery for the cultivation of virtues.
For persons living in nuclear families there is a feeling of insecurity. This feeling of insecurity is not there in a joint family where the unemployed, the sick, the aged and the handicaped are well taken care of. There is a sense of social security, and old age and illness are not looked upon with fear:
In a nuclear family, a working mother tries her best to strike a balance between service and household chores. At the same time she tries to be a good mother and a good wife. However, the joint system may at times prove a hindrance to individual enterprise and initiative.
The joint family has a number of advantages. However, it does not always work. When many people of different mentality and disposition live under one common roof, negative human traits are bound to crop up. Members then have a tendency to stress on their rights and ignore their duties. When this kind of attitude prevails, the atmosphere is not conducive to peace and harmony.
With many changes in the political, social and economic spheres, the Hindu joint family appears to be outmoded for present times. Joint property goes hand in hand with the joint family. When the joint family property is divided, the joint family gets dismembered.
Today technical skill is acquired in professional fields by training in technical institutions. It need not be passed on from generation to generation.
Modern means of communication and the trend of urbanising rural areas have brought new ideas and a new society has evolved which is in close touch with cities that offer all the comforts and joys of modern life. Thus, the joint family system is lessening.
Also, the feeling of social security present in a joint family often makes the members idle and lazy. Hand work is rarely rewarded and laziness seldom punished. Thus members lose initiative. There is also lack of dynamism.
There could be resistance to new customs and progressive ideas of young people by the elder generation. Old customs and traditions are enforced without finding out the views of the young. Lack of privacy may adversely affect freedom of couples or individualism in a joint.
There are advantages and disadvantages. Much depends on the nature of individual members. In rural areas, nature of people is always simple and cooperative. In the final, much depends on the degree of adaptability of the members comprising the joint whether they are refined personalities or otherwise whether they would cherish the blessings of a joint or whether they would prefer to stay separate.
INDIAN DEMOCRACY...
Indian democracy stands out as a landmark in this part of the Asian continent. It has crossed the half century mark and it is going strong with the passage of time. Contrast this with military juntas in some of the neighboring countries.
However, democracy without discipline is like body without a soul. If there is no discipline, democracy degenerates into a mobocracy. Democracy is a liberal form of governance a system of government by the whole population, through elected representation a true form of self-rule. Lack of discipline in democracy can justify Plato's criticism that democracy is the divine right of ignorant people to rule ignorantly.
It is true that democracy is based on the freewill of the people who are supreme and sovereign. There is a wrong notion that in democracy there are only rights and no duties. The fact remains that rights and duties go hand in hand together.
In a democracy there are fair elections and you can exercise your franchise freely. There is freedom of expression and the press is freely. There is freedom of expression and the press is free too. Grievances are redressed through constitutional and not-violent means. Violence has no place in a democratic setup.
Everything is fair in love and war but it is not so in a democracy. Democracy calls for a high degree of discipline, respect for the views of others and full faith in equality, fairplay and justice. Politics has to be spiritualized by inculcating moral discipline. This is what Gandhi emphasized. If the people wish to enjoy their rights, must be prepared to perform as well.
In the world only those countries whose people are disciplined have made progress. The economies of Japan and West Germany were completely shattered during the Second World War, yet they were able to rebuild owing to dedicated work of disciplined citizens. They have achieved phenomenal success in science and technology and industry. Both Japan and West Germany are democratic countries.
On the other hand, if a country lacks discipline and decorum, it is bound to be overtaken by dictatorship. Military dictators are another name of one-man rule. The people suffer and there is no progress. Only the dictator and his coterie benefit personally. People have no say in the country's governance.
In contrast, citizens can enjoy the fruits of democracy. For instance, in Switzerland, people are so disciplined and hardworking that they have made their country synonymous with democracy. The people have become prosperous by dint of their industrious temperament. Size of the country does not matter.
We in India have opted for a democratic form of government. We have to prove that we are competent of self-rule which calls for imbibing the spirit of discipline with a view to making a success of the mode of management that we have given to ourselves.
However, democracy without discipline is like body without a soul. If there is no discipline, democracy degenerates into a mobocracy. Democracy is a liberal form of governance a system of government by the whole population, through elected representation a true form of self-rule. Lack of discipline in democracy can justify Plato's criticism that democracy is the divine right of ignorant people to rule ignorantly.
It is true that democracy is based on the freewill of the people who are supreme and sovereign. There is a wrong notion that in democracy there are only rights and no duties. The fact remains that rights and duties go hand in hand together.
In a democracy there are fair elections and you can exercise your franchise freely. There is freedom of expression and the press is freely. There is freedom of expression and the press is free too. Grievances are redressed through constitutional and not-violent means. Violence has no place in a democratic setup.
Everything is fair in love and war but it is not so in a democracy. Democracy calls for a high degree of discipline, respect for the views of others and full faith in equality, fairplay and justice. Politics has to be spiritualized by inculcating moral discipline. This is what Gandhi emphasized. If the people wish to enjoy their rights, must be prepared to perform as well.
In the world only those countries whose people are disciplined have made progress. The economies of Japan and West Germany were completely shattered during the Second World War, yet they were able to rebuild owing to dedicated work of disciplined citizens. They have achieved phenomenal success in science and technology and industry. Both Japan and West Germany are democratic countries.
On the other hand, if a country lacks discipline and decorum, it is bound to be overtaken by dictatorship. Military dictators are another name of one-man rule. The people suffer and there is no progress. Only the dictator and his coterie benefit personally. People have no say in the country's governance.
In contrast, citizens can enjoy the fruits of democracy. For instance, in Switzerland, people are so disciplined and hardworking that they have made their country synonymous with democracy. The people have become prosperous by dint of their industrious temperament. Size of the country does not matter.
We in India have opted for a democratic form of government. We have to prove that we are competent of self-rule which calls for imbibing the spirit of discipline with a view to making a success of the mode of management that we have given to ourselves.
HUMAN BODY AND HUMAN EXISTENCE...
The question is to be of the world and still be out of it sounds paradoxical. The religion as propounded by Guru Nanak and the later gurus does not reconcile people to poverty, misery, hunger and disease. All these are regarded by the gurus as great evils.
In one of his compositions sage Kabir said: "I cannot cary on my devotion on an empty stomach. Here take thy rosary away." But at the same time, all the gurus say that if these evils are inescapable and incurable in spite of all efforts, they must be endured, not only with fortitude and firmness, but sometimes even with joy. It has ordained thus.
Gurbani says that one should be happy and comfortable in this world and blessed in the next life. The human body is sacred or, as Guru Amardas says: "The body is an extremely beautiful temple of God." So do please keep it neat and clean and pure.
A diseased body is not a worthy instrument for the service of the Almighty. The real devotee should not seek God in forests and mountains or in secluded places because God dwells in our own heart. Says Guru Nanak: "Meditate on Truth. That will give you true light. Then you will be able to live unattached amid the pollution of the world."
The gurus stress on the inner aspect of renunciation. The love of God is considered as aspect of renunciation. And it is very worthwhile. A devotee is a renouncer even while living in his house. Says the Granth Sahib: "He is a saint and a renouncer who cherished God's name is his heart." Guru Arjun Dev has his own philosophy: "O Nanak! By meeting the true teacher you acquire perfect wisdom and achieve success; for while laughing, playing eating, and in full enjoyment of these pleasures, you attain union with the Lord." The gurus insisted on family life and not asceticism.
True renunciation according to Guru Gobind Singh lies in temperance and moderation along with service to people and devotion to God. The Gurus do not despise worldly commodities.
Their only concern is that if a person becomes engrossed in the enjoyment of the material world, he will forget the Lord. But if that danger is avoided, then the person can enjoy worldly goods and yet be spiritual for all intents and purposes.
All he has to do is to remember the Lord and follow the path laid down by him: to be in the world and yet not of it, to remain in the midst of world's pleasures, yet to be unattached to them, and to share his earnings, with others in a fixed, reasonable proportion. Sharing brings joy and plentitude.
In one of his compositions sage Kabir said: "I cannot cary on my devotion on an empty stomach. Here take thy rosary away." But at the same time, all the gurus say that if these evils are inescapable and incurable in spite of all efforts, they must be endured, not only with fortitude and firmness, but sometimes even with joy. It has ordained thus.
Gurbani says that one should be happy and comfortable in this world and blessed in the next life. The human body is sacred or, as Guru Amardas says: "The body is an extremely beautiful temple of God." So do please keep it neat and clean and pure.
A diseased body is not a worthy instrument for the service of the Almighty. The real devotee should not seek God in forests and mountains or in secluded places because God dwells in our own heart. Says Guru Nanak: "Meditate on Truth. That will give you true light. Then you will be able to live unattached amid the pollution of the world."
The gurus stress on the inner aspect of renunciation. The love of God is considered as aspect of renunciation. And it is very worthwhile. A devotee is a renouncer even while living in his house. Says the Granth Sahib: "He is a saint and a renouncer who cherished God's name is his heart." Guru Arjun Dev has his own philosophy: "O Nanak! By meeting the true teacher you acquire perfect wisdom and achieve success; for while laughing, playing eating, and in full enjoyment of these pleasures, you attain union with the Lord." The gurus insisted on family life and not asceticism.
True renunciation according to Guru Gobind Singh lies in temperance and moderation along with service to people and devotion to God. The Gurus do not despise worldly commodities.
Their only concern is that if a person becomes engrossed in the enjoyment of the material world, he will forget the Lord. But if that danger is avoided, then the person can enjoy worldly goods and yet be spiritual for all intents and purposes.
All he has to do is to remember the Lord and follow the path laid down by him: to be in the world and yet not of it, to remain in the midst of world's pleasures, yet to be unattached to them, and to share his earnings, with others in a fixed, reasonable proportion. Sharing brings joy and plentitude.
GURU AS AWAKENER...
From darkness to light, July 24, the full moon day in the month of Ashada, is celebrated as Guru Purnima. On this day disciples come together to express their gratitude to their beloved guru, venerated as the embodiment of sage Veda Vyasa as an apostle of truth and wisdom, for having systematized the divine utterances in the form of the four Vedas, the eighteen puranas and the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima is a special occasion to commemorate Vyasa's service to humanity, and to resolve to follow the path of learning and knowledge.
Indian tradition believes in the importance of establishing a strong guru-shishya relationship; only then can the seeker attain truth and divine wisdom. Wisdom is their meeting point. The teachings and discourses of the guru constitute the link. The guru-shishya tradition goes beyond mere pedantic learning. Swami Kuvalayananda said: "Very often philosophic gymnastics is mistaken for spiritual knowledge... no intellectual conviction or philosophical training will take an individual even a bit nearer the Lord; practical experiences in the sublime regions of adhyatma alone count."
The term guru should not be confused with acharya or upadhyaya. An acharya is one who performs rityal ceremonies and practical arts. They could be called shiksha gurus.
Osho, while explaining the role of a guru says: "The role of a guru is to give you a glimpse of the real not a teaching but an awakening. The guru is not a teacher, the guru is awakener."
The one who takes us from darkness to light is said to be a guru. Disciples live together at the ashram of a guru, where they learn the importance of austerity and devotion by serving the guru. All great masters have had their gurus.
Even Lord Krishna, who is regarded as jagatguru, sat at the feet of Guru sandipani. The guru shares his being with his students. He initiates the disciple into a path of learning that suits the seeker's temperament and capability. A worthy shishya remains loyal to his diksha guru.
The absence of a guru, though, does not preclude learning and wisdom. Indian tradition regards whatever is visible in nature, the diverse objects of the universe, as replicas of the supreme guru. The lessons of Truth are learnt.
The allegorical lesson being that the guru, the embodiment of divine wisdom, is all pervasive. We thus need to conduct ourselves virtuously, learn to appreciate the beauty of natural phenomena and live simply before we can expect to find a satguru.
A guru can only guide us along the path of learning, the effort and the toil has to be the disciple's. In a way, one is one's own guru. Only when you learn to seek divinity within your self, live a disciplined life and follow the advice of your guru, will you find the light within. The guru's presence is enough, his silence does the rest. Lasting cheerfulness accurse to the recipient.
Indian tradition believes in the importance of establishing a strong guru-shishya relationship; only then can the seeker attain truth and divine wisdom. Wisdom is their meeting point. The teachings and discourses of the guru constitute the link. The guru-shishya tradition goes beyond mere pedantic learning. Swami Kuvalayananda said: "Very often philosophic gymnastics is mistaken for spiritual knowledge... no intellectual conviction or philosophical training will take an individual even a bit nearer the Lord; practical experiences in the sublime regions of adhyatma alone count."
The term guru should not be confused with acharya or upadhyaya. An acharya is one who performs rityal ceremonies and practical arts. They could be called shiksha gurus.
Osho, while explaining the role of a guru says: "The role of a guru is to give you a glimpse of the real not a teaching but an awakening. The guru is not a teacher, the guru is awakener."
The one who takes us from darkness to light is said to be a guru. Disciples live together at the ashram of a guru, where they learn the importance of austerity and devotion by serving the guru. All great masters have had their gurus.
Even Lord Krishna, who is regarded as jagatguru, sat at the feet of Guru sandipani. The guru shares his being with his students. He initiates the disciple into a path of learning that suits the seeker's temperament and capability. A worthy shishya remains loyal to his diksha guru.
The absence of a guru, though, does not preclude learning and wisdom. Indian tradition regards whatever is visible in nature, the diverse objects of the universe, as replicas of the supreme guru. The lessons of Truth are learnt.
The allegorical lesson being that the guru, the embodiment of divine wisdom, is all pervasive. We thus need to conduct ourselves virtuously, learn to appreciate the beauty of natural phenomena and live simply before we can expect to find a satguru.
A guru can only guide us along the path of learning, the effort and the toil has to be the disciple's. In a way, one is one's own guru. Only when you learn to seek divinity within your self, live a disciplined life and follow the advice of your guru, will you find the light within. The guru's presence is enough, his silence does the rest. Lasting cheerfulness accurse to the recipient.
GOOD MANNERS...
Good manners play a significant role in one's life. Learning good manners should be done early in life it costs nothing only effort is needed. Good manners attract others. Good manners and courtesy have an impact. It builds one's reputation as a person grows up.
A person without good manners remains a beast and is kept at arm's length; a person who is polite and considerate becomes popular. Good manners come from parents; these could also be learnt by following good teachers and elders. Good mannered children bring credit to the family and are welcome everywhere. Children can learn a lot from good schools and good company.
Good manners need to be cultivated. How a child speaks, how it conducts itself, how it respect elders all these count. A child looks a lot better if it has good manners.
Life stories of great men tell us about geniuses, and how humble and simple they have been. A child with good conduct not only brings credit to the family but also to the school he studies in.
Words and phrases like "I am sorry", "Please", "Kindly", "Thank you", "Sir", "Madam", "I beg your pardon" should be used often. Especially, one should be on the lookout where one could help or be polite. These graciously and politely said at the right time sound so sweet. Even if something negative has to be said, do it in a way that does not hurt the other person. Even respond positively to a negative situation.
You should be tolerant of opinions of others. In discussions, keeps it going without raising your voice in anger or disgust. Learn to disagree gracefully. We should steer clear of controversial or sensitive subjects here discussions go round and round and lead to nowhere.
Be considerate to elders, ladies, and the sick and the handicapped and try to help them by offering them seats in trains and buses. But never ridicule them it will be the height of bad manners. You should not be seen in poor light that way you are the stark loser.
If you are talking, listen attentively also. And in any case do not interrupt. Be sweet of tongue and mean it. Never use foul language. Do not spit where you are sitting or standing. Do not pretend; be your real self. Throw litter and garbage only in the dustbin. Banana peels thrown on the road make good slippers. Also develop good civic sense. While waiting join the queue. That way quite a few good things you could do and win praise.
Others could be very observant. Good manners are to you what cosmetics, good clothes and jewelery are to the body these enhance your value and you become a precious human being. Swami Vivekananda said: "Help and not fight, assimilation and not dissociation, harmony and peace and not dissensions" should be key words for every person.
A person without good manners remains a beast and is kept at arm's length; a person who is polite and considerate becomes popular. Good manners come from parents; these could also be learnt by following good teachers and elders. Good mannered children bring credit to the family and are welcome everywhere. Children can learn a lot from good schools and good company.
Good manners need to be cultivated. How a child speaks, how it conducts itself, how it respect elders all these count. A child looks a lot better if it has good manners.
Life stories of great men tell us about geniuses, and how humble and simple they have been. A child with good conduct not only brings credit to the family but also to the school he studies in.
Words and phrases like "I am sorry", "Please", "Kindly", "Thank you", "Sir", "Madam", "I beg your pardon" should be used often. Especially, one should be on the lookout where one could help or be polite. These graciously and politely said at the right time sound so sweet. Even if something negative has to be said, do it in a way that does not hurt the other person. Even respond positively to a negative situation.
You should be tolerant of opinions of others. In discussions, keeps it going without raising your voice in anger or disgust. Learn to disagree gracefully. We should steer clear of controversial or sensitive subjects here discussions go round and round and lead to nowhere.
Be considerate to elders, ladies, and the sick and the handicapped and try to help them by offering them seats in trains and buses. But never ridicule them it will be the height of bad manners. You should not be seen in poor light that way you are the stark loser.
If you are talking, listen attentively also. And in any case do not interrupt. Be sweet of tongue and mean it. Never use foul language. Do not spit where you are sitting or standing. Do not pretend; be your real self. Throw litter and garbage only in the dustbin. Banana peels thrown on the road make good slippers. Also develop good civic sense. While waiting join the queue. That way quite a few good things you could do and win praise.
Others could be very observant. Good manners are to you what cosmetics, good clothes and jewelery are to the body these enhance your value and you become a precious human being. Swami Vivekananda said: "Help and not fight, assimilation and not dissociation, harmony and peace and not dissensions" should be key words for every person.
FULL OF LOVE...
Meditation is way of living full of love and consciousness. It is not about going to temples, praying hurriedly and yet continues living life mechanically and accidentally. Meditation means to bring spiritual awareness to each act big and small.
The quality of love and acts of meditation go hand in hand. If you meditate, says Osho, you will simply love; it will be just a quality of your being. And then it has a different flavor and does not create bondage. Then you share unconditionally and your love is just the way you naturally are.
Osho tells a story. Once a mystic was traveling with his disciples. They come to a sarai. In the morning, the keeper of the sarai offered tea and snacks. While they were drinking their tea, suddenly, the keeper fell at the master's feet, ecstatic crying with joy.
The disciples were puzzled. How could he know that this person was the master? It was supposed to be a secret and the disciples were told that nobody ought to be told who the master is. They were all dressed alike.
The master was moving incognito. Who has told this sarai-keeper? The disciples looked worried. They inquired, but nobody had told; nobody had even talked to that man, the owner. The master said: "Don't feel puzzled. Ask this man himself, how he recognized me. Nobody has told him; he has recognized."
So they asked: "We cannot recognize. Even we are suspicious about whether he is truly enlightened or not, and we have lived with him for many years. Still, a suspicion somewhere goes on lurking. How have you recognized?"
The man said: "I have been serving tea and breakfast and food to thousands of people. I have been watching thousands of people, and I have never come across a man who has looked with such deep love at the teacup. I could not help but recognize. I know all sorts of people passing from here but I have never seen anybody looking at the teacup with such love, as if somebody is looking at one's beloved."
Osho explains that this man must have had a totally different quality; he must be full of love. Otherwise, who looks at a teacup with such love? A teacup is a teacup. You have to use it. It is a utility. You do not look at it with love.
In fact, you do not look at your own wife with love. She is a utility, a teacup is just to be used and kept aside. You do not look at your husband with love. The husband is a means.
Love is possible only when everything becomes the end. Then even a teacup has the quality of the beloved.
The quality of love and acts of meditation go hand in hand. If you meditate, says Osho, you will simply love; it will be just a quality of your being. And then it has a different flavor and does not create bondage. Then you share unconditionally and your love is just the way you naturally are.
Osho tells a story. Once a mystic was traveling with his disciples. They come to a sarai. In the morning, the keeper of the sarai offered tea and snacks. While they were drinking their tea, suddenly, the keeper fell at the master's feet, ecstatic crying with joy.
The disciples were puzzled. How could he know that this person was the master? It was supposed to be a secret and the disciples were told that nobody ought to be told who the master is. They were all dressed alike.
The master was moving incognito. Who has told this sarai-keeper? The disciples looked worried. They inquired, but nobody had told; nobody had even talked to that man, the owner. The master said: "Don't feel puzzled. Ask this man himself, how he recognized me. Nobody has told him; he has recognized."
So they asked: "We cannot recognize. Even we are suspicious about whether he is truly enlightened or not, and we have lived with him for many years. Still, a suspicion somewhere goes on lurking. How have you recognized?"
The man said: "I have been serving tea and breakfast and food to thousands of people. I have been watching thousands of people, and I have never come across a man who has looked with such deep love at the teacup. I could not help but recognize. I know all sorts of people passing from here but I have never seen anybody looking at the teacup with such love, as if somebody is looking at one's beloved."
Osho explains that this man must have had a totally different quality; he must be full of love. Otherwise, who looks at a teacup with such love? A teacup is a teacup. You have to use it. It is a utility. You do not look at it with love.
In fact, you do not look at your own wife with love. She is a utility, a teacup is just to be used and kept aside. You do not look at your husband with love. The husband is a means.
Love is possible only when everything becomes the end. Then even a teacup has the quality of the beloved.
FAITH AND REASON...
There is no conflict between faith and reason. May we examine the issue in some detail. In this context prayers offered in full faith are very efficacious. Prayers does not change things. It changes people, and they change things. So do not pray for lighter burdens; pray for stronger back.
Rabbi Eliezer once said, "Turn to god one day before your death." His disciples asked: "How can a man know the day of his death?" The Rabbi replied: "Then you should turn to god today; perhaps you will die tomorrow; thus everyday will be employed in returning to god."
Faith, as embodied in religion, and reason as embodied in science are often but erroneously thought of as being in opposition to each other. Science is not an enemy of religion, only of superstition. Both science and religion are engaged in the search for truth, the main difference lies in the methodologies used.
Science is an investigation of truth in the finite nature outside, the object. Religion is an investigation into the nature of the infinite, the subject. Science aims for universally verifiable knowledge. Religion aims for individual realization. We are closer to the physical world than to the metaphysical. We respect science, because it is premised on reason.
Swami Sivananda holds that science knows little about the origin of life, the origin of thought, and the origin and destiny of human nature and the universe. Faith is beyond reason. There are many questions to which our faith alone can help us find answers.
Sri Paramahansa Yoganand asks for experimentation in religion. He says: "Why should we merely read and hear discussions about god, and know nothing from personal experience? It is possible to put religion into practice, to use it scientifically. Without practical application, religion is of little value."
The first experiment with religion ought to begin with silence. This is the first step towards meditation. As Yoganand says: "If you make a supreme effort in the silence of the night or early in the morning, then after a little while you will see a glimmer of god's light or feel a ripple of his joy coming your consciousness."
Experimentation with religion is very different as the results take place right inside you.
Truthfulness is another spiritual principle recommended for experimentation. Yoganand says that truth is always wholesome. Giving happiness to others is vital to one's own happiness. The world outside is an extension of the world inside. So we ought to practice self-control, forgiveness, and communion with god in our day to day life.
One can evolve spiritually without being religious in the conventional sense of the word. After all, we are spiritual beings, part of the one supreme spirit. We exist beyond our bodies. To follow the path of prayer and single-mindedness of thought is enough.
Prayer is surrendering oneself to god completely. It does not demand intelligence or eloquence. Swami Sivananda says that one should pray for god's grace, not for earthy goods or for heavenly pleasures. Selfless faith and prayer and patience can work wonders.
Rabbi Eliezer once said, "Turn to god one day before your death." His disciples asked: "How can a man know the day of his death?" The Rabbi replied: "Then you should turn to god today; perhaps you will die tomorrow; thus everyday will be employed in returning to god."
Faith, as embodied in religion, and reason as embodied in science are often but erroneously thought of as being in opposition to each other. Science is not an enemy of religion, only of superstition. Both science and religion are engaged in the search for truth, the main difference lies in the methodologies used.
Science is an investigation of truth in the finite nature outside, the object. Religion is an investigation into the nature of the infinite, the subject. Science aims for universally verifiable knowledge. Religion aims for individual realization. We are closer to the physical world than to the metaphysical. We respect science, because it is premised on reason.
Swami Sivananda holds that science knows little about the origin of life, the origin of thought, and the origin and destiny of human nature and the universe. Faith is beyond reason. There are many questions to which our faith alone can help us find answers.
Sri Paramahansa Yoganand asks for experimentation in religion. He says: "Why should we merely read and hear discussions about god, and know nothing from personal experience? It is possible to put religion into practice, to use it scientifically. Without practical application, religion is of little value."
The first experiment with religion ought to begin with silence. This is the first step towards meditation. As Yoganand says: "If you make a supreme effort in the silence of the night or early in the morning, then after a little while you will see a glimmer of god's light or feel a ripple of his joy coming your consciousness."
Experimentation with religion is very different as the results take place right inside you.
Truthfulness is another spiritual principle recommended for experimentation. Yoganand says that truth is always wholesome. Giving happiness to others is vital to one's own happiness. The world outside is an extension of the world inside. So we ought to practice self-control, forgiveness, and communion with god in our day to day life.
One can evolve spiritually without being religious in the conventional sense of the word. After all, we are spiritual beings, part of the one supreme spirit. We exist beyond our bodies. To follow the path of prayer and single-mindedness of thought is enough.
Prayer is surrendering oneself to god completely. It does not demand intelligence or eloquence. Swami Sivananda says that one should pray for god's grace, not for earthy goods or for heavenly pleasures. Selfless faith and prayer and patience can work wonders.
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