PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE RUDRA SOOKTA: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

It is hypothesized that when we listen to RUDRA SOOKTA; several changes take place; in the patterns, quantity, frequency, interrelationships; of the bio-electrical impulses; secretions; in the afferent, efferent and inter-neuronal (central nervous and autonomic nervous) circuitry, neuro-muscular junctions; and also in neuroendocrine, endocrine and a variety of exocrine glands. These changes are conducive to empowerment and blossoming of consciousness and enlightenment; which we may call holistic health. As a result of actual experience of this a consensus must have been evolved to include RUDRA SOOKTA in various sacred activities in Hindu tradition. A lot of research must have been done or must be going on in the world in this respect; or else it would be undertaken in near future. All these researchers are worthy of heartiest congratulations and humble appreciation.

रुद्रसूक्त जेव्हा आपण ऐकतो तेव्हा ऐकण्याच्या प्रक्रियेतून; विशिष्ट स्वरांच्या योजनेनुसार ( मोडुलशन्स/आरोह अवरोहा ईत्यादी; नुसार) आपल्या मेंदूमध्ये जैविक विद्युत प्रवाह आणि शरीरातील अंत:स्त्रावी ग्रन्थी मध्ये जे स्त्राव स्त्रवतात त्यांचे प्रमाण, फ्रीक्वेन्सी, पॅटर्न, इनटेर्रिलॅशनशिप; इत्यादी बदलून; हे सर्व अधिक ऊर्ध्वगामी चेतनेला म्हणजेच सम्यक आरोग्याला पोषक बनत असले पाहिजे. या प्रत्यक्ष अनुंभवातूनच; रुद्रसूकताचा विविध धर्म कार्यामध्ये अंतर्भाव केला गेला असला पाहिजे. अर्थात यादृष्टीने या संदर्भात अधिक संशोधन सध्या चालू असेल किंवा झाले पाहिजे, किंवा नजीकच्या काळात होईल. त्या सर्व सत्य शोधक संशोधकाना विनम्र अभिनंदन.

If our brains were computers, we'd simply add a chip to upgrade our memory. The human brain, however, is more complex than even the most advanced machine, so improving our memory isn't quite so easy. Just as it takes effort to build physical fitness, so too does boosting brain power.

Sharp and Strong memory is natural desire of every person. Either you are a student,or professional or an aged person.A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain.it is better to do something about it and try to follow given Tips which will definitely help you to enhance your brain memory.
Try to adopt a habit of regular exercise because it increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss.
Proper sleep of at least 6 to 8 hours is essential for proper functioning of brain cells.
Make time for friends and fun because smiling and laughters involve multiple regions across the whole brain and have positive effects on brain cells.
Reduce the stress level because it has adverse effect on brain cells.
Try to intake food which is essential for proper nourishment and growth of brain cells.
Fish oil is also effective for improving memory loss. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that help your brain and body work better. It is also good for improving the body's functioning by helping you think better.Omega-3 fatty acids are found in wild-caught, deep sea fish (wild salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring). Other non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, ground flax seed, flax seed oil, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.
B Vitamins improve memory by creating a protective shield for the neurons in the brain. B vitamins break down homocysteine, which is an amino acid that is a toxic poison to nerve cells. These vitamins also help in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen, an important brain nutrient.
The most important B vitamins for memory include B6, B12, and Folic Acid (B9). You can increase the B vitamins in your diet by taking vitamin supplements and by consuming healthy, natural foods such as spinach and other dark, leafy greens; broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, melons, black beans, leeks, and other legumes, citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit, and soybeans.
Vitamins C, E, and beta carotene are antioxidants and are also important vitamins for memory. Antioxidants protect brain tissue by breaking down free radicals, which are toxic forms of the oxygen molecule naturally found in the bloodstream.These vitamins can be found in naturally occurring foods such as blueberries, strawberries, and other berries; sweet potatoes, red tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, green tea and other types of tea, nuts and seeds, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.

आयुष्यातल्या असन्ख्य बर्‍या वाईट अनुभवानंतर जेव्हा जगण्यातले स्वारस्य निघून जाते तेव्हा फक्त नामच नवसन्जीवनी देते. तेव्हा नामाची महती पटते. नाम हेच संपूर्ण जीवनाचा हेतू, मूलाधार आणि ऊर्जास्रोत आहे हे पटते. पण त्यासाठी सुरुवातीपासूनच नामात राहणे आवश्यक आणि श्रेयस्कर आहे. म्हणून केवळ घराघरामध्ये आणि देवळातच नव्हे; तर शाळा कॉलेजामध्ये, रुग्णालयाअमध्ये, तुरुंगात, कार्यालयांमध्ये व एकंदरीत सर्वत्रच नामस्मरणाची प्रथा सुरू व्हावी यासाठी अनेकजण प्रयत्न करीत आहेत त्यांचे मन:पूर्वक अभिनंदन.

Attempted translation:
After several good and bad experiences if and when one loses the very desire to live; the NAMA alone provides the nectar of immortality. At this juncture one gets convinced of the importance of NAMA and of the fact that it is the "seed", "sustainer" and "source of all vitality" of life. But the prerequisite for this conviction; is the practice of NAMASMARAN right from the beginning. Hence; really I appreciate and heartily congratulate all those, who are trying to implant and establish the practice of NAMASMARAN; not only in the homes; but also in the schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, jails, courts, offices; and everywhere!

SELF DEVELOPMENT : DR SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The stages of self development, self blossoming or self realization are not clearly defined and hence most of us suffer from disillusionment, disgruntlement or delusions. Sometimes we feel helpless and sometimes we feel elated. We feel helpless because we do not know how much we have progressed and elated because we do not know how much we have yet to progress!

The span of the process of self realization roughly spreads from the inexplicable and indescribable restlessness to the indescribable “experience” of immortality.

Many activities and techniques are described for self realization. They are called SADHANA in Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi and many Indian languages. NAMASMARAN is one of the simplest of such activities; and spreads over the entire life. It is also called NAMASADHANA. The other words; more or less synonymous with NAMASMARAN; are JAP, JAAP, SIMARAN, SUMIRAN, JIKRA and remembrance of God or true self.

To overcome the bouts of illusory helplessness and deceptive elation; we ought to recognize with greater clarity; the subtler aspects; inherent to the gross stages viz. BADDHA, MUMUKSHU, SADHAKA and SIDDHA of self realization.

1. Thus; all these stages are not actually water tight compartments. Thus we begin with the stage of BADDHA, which means completely governed by our body and instincts. There is no discontent whatsoever! There is almost automatic and reflexive behavior. But actually being human beings; there is somewhere in the deep subconscious mind; propensity (of which we are unaware) towards the realization of true self.
2. As we begin in our childhood; the practice some SADHANA (In India this is part of what is called SANSKAR and includes activities conducive to growth of consciousness; such as getting up at before sunrise, cleanliness, saluting parents, reciting hymns, pranayama, exercise such as SURYANAMASKAR etc); we create preferences. Thus as children; we start appreciating “good” and “bad”.
3. We live in the world of fantasy and belief that “good wins” and “bad loses”.
4. But still; there is perennial conflict of “good” and “bad” within us; throughout our childhood; because of the childish reactions born out of instincts of survival, habitat, herd formation, hunger, thirst etc; and emotions such as being pampered and cared for. Hence there are “mini wars” for trivial reasons! All these stages may be called BADDHA.
5. With the advent of adolescence associated with surge of hormones; there is emergence of new idealistic utopia, assertion of ego, assertion of sex, besides the other instincts. These may manifest as impulsive charitable and/or rebellious behavior, poetic emotional upsurges, romance with opposite sex, iconoclastic arrogance; and so on. This stage marks the beginning of MUMUKSHU. This word means the disturbing consciousness or awareness about the deficiency or void within! The search of the cause of this disturbing void begins!
6. The individual goes actively and enthusiastically; through the trials and errors of various charitable, rebellious, romantic and utopian sprees! He or she meets with several “successes” or “failures” and keeps getting excited and depressed.
7. Depending on the circumstances, one may pass through episodes of errors, mistakes, blunders, crimes to efforts towards, intense study, philanthropy, social activism and unusual noble deeds. But gradually the stage becomes marked by severe dissatisfaction and restlessness. It is at this juncture of utter helplessness; that one comes across an assurance, solace, guidance, morale booster, empowerment that begins to fill the void inside. This help is usually called divine help by the theists. The source; of this help in human form; is called SATGURU. SATGURU means the master who enables us to realize the true self or truth. It is essential to understand that even though the apparent ways of the different divine masters; may vary with respect to the details; their essential role is the same; and that is to enable the disciple to realize the true self! This marks the beginning of the stage of SADHAKA.
8. The individual begins to feel little bit but surely; “at home” in the guidance of the GURU. The inner progress takes further momentum. The intellectual clarifications of several questions begin spring from within. The buoyancy and the spirit of sharing increases. There is candid and often gullible expression of the experiences and comprehension of what is perceived as “truth”. This may be in the form benevolent creativity in music, paintings, poetry, literature; and even innovations in industry, trade, agriculture etc.
9. There is preponderance of feelings over instincts. Thus; we tend to “give” (VAIRAGYA) even if we are hungry or thirsty. We get involved in many philanthropic or revolutionary activities or both; but less impulsively and more accurately; than previously.
10. Gradually this stage becomes marked by preponderance of thinking (VIVEK) over feelings. Thus we become wiser. We become more aware of our drawbacks or weaknesses and begin to see the presence of evil deep inside; and not merely outside. We begin to see the ubiquitous nature of the obstacles in the process of realization of true self! The utopia of global welfare; on the one hand; and the bliss of self realization; on the other; begins to appear far more difficult and vast than our earlier perception. This is usually associated with our conceptual blossoming into holistic one. Gradually our ideas about every walk of life become more holistic and more conducive to self realization. As we progress; we become more and more objective in terms of experience of innate unity with entire universe and thereby conception of the perspective, policies, plans, programs and their implementation of universal benevolence. It is obvious that the nature of this process is not uniform and same. It varies with age, sex, occupation, physical conditions and so on. But; as a result of our holistic blossoming; our aggressiveness somewhat diminishes. We become more considerate about ourselves and others. This may be perceived as mellowing. But actually; we develop greater conviction in what we think, feel and do. This may be called courage of conviction or DHRUTI or DHARANA; and is associated with; zestful articulation of holistic education, holistic medicine, holistic health, and holistic solutions to universal stressors such as global warming, global recession, child labor, accidents etc.
11. The efforts however; are not met with projected results. There is a deep sense of despair. The despair deepens further; when the obviously false claims of supernatural experiences and pseudo-heroic sermons; preaching to be super-humans (master of SHADRIPUS); without any consideration to holistic perspective, policies, plans, programs; and their implementation; are hyped by media and masses.
12. Gradually we get freed from the attachment of; what we considered hitherto; as “our” or “their” concepts, ideas, creativity, mission; and successes and failures. We realize that it is the “divine or cosmic will” which got expressed through “us” and “them”. We begin to appreciate the scope and limitations of “our” and “their” role and accomplishments. Thus our burden begins to decrease.
13. Our individual whims and fancies and idiosyncrasies go on disappearing and we begin to be more and more tolerant towards the needs, likes and dislikes of others. We become more and more focused on the practice of SADHANA; leaving aside the other things; such as our physical and material needs and personal desires and dreams. Thus our habits, addictions and compulsions go on losing their dominance and grip on us.
14. The happiness begins to grow more and more independent of and irrespective of everything else. At this stage we have reached the door of self realization the stage of SIDDHA, which is beyond words. The SIDDHA’s life is characterized by “being connected with true self” and manifests benevolently to the universe by virtue of inspiring guidance; in; seen and unseen ways; in marching through the above described stages.

“ My parents want to get me married to a girl of their choice. The problem is that I have homosexual preferences. What should I do?” – 25yr, Businessman.

“I am ashamed doctor. My son has disgraced my family. 5 months ago we got him married. For so long he never touched his wife. Yesterday we found out he is gay!!! My son’s gay!!!! I am shattered!!! My name in the society is all gone now!!!” – 58yrs govt. Employee

“I got married 3yrs ago, but have never been happy with my husband. I am into a relationship with a building friend of mine. She and me are like soul-mates, now my husband wants to move away, I am so fearful of losing her” – 25yrs, Housewife

“Hello doctor, I have a dark secret which I haven’t shared with anyone. I am gay. I don’t know how I got this disease. Please help me” – 24yrs, Executive in MNC.

These are real life examples of individuals I have met in my clinic over the last few years.. Few out of the hundreds people who have consulted me secretly because they emotionally fail to battle the social stigma attached with their sexual orientation.

The Indian society is one that is evolving.
Thou over the years we have managed to battle many of our “illogical” orthodox belief systems, same-sex relationships are probably the biggest barrier that “neo” thinkers and social reformist face.

Science has already proved homosexuality to be a personal choice that doesn’t account for any mental illness.
BUT IS THIS ENTIRELY TRUE????
ARE WE READY TO ACCEPT SCIENCE... or ARE IS THE AGE OLD MYTH A REALITY??

What is homosexuality?
Medically - Homosexuality is a emotional and behavioural pattern defined by sexual, romantic or affectional attraction between members of the same sex/gender.

Popular view - Its one of the greatest sins one can create.

Is homosexuality more common in men?
Medically - Homosexuality is equally present in men and women.

Popular view - people only concentrate on male homosexuality, forgetting about female behavior.

Is it a disease or mental disorder?
Medically - No It’s nor a disease nor a disorder in case of pure homosexuals.
But in many it can be a psychological adaptation due to the environment.
Thousands of psychological studies, CT-scan, MRI-scans have proven that homosexuality is not a disease or disorder.

Popular view- Yes

How does one become homosexual?
Homosexuality is a personal choice, but how has the choice come into effect makes difference in entire profile of an individual.

1. Genetics – A pure homosexual individual, is one who is born with genetic code which directs the brain to follow homosexual relationships.

2. Childhood experience – sexual abuse or multiple episodes of same sex sexual interactions in childhood can condition the mind to favour same sex relationships.

3. Adolescence Curiosity – curiosity might lead an individual to read or watch materials related to homosexuality. This might leave an impact on the mind, creating a source of never ending thoughts related to the same. Constantly thinking about the same might ignite desire to experiment.

4.Living or Working Environment – an environment which is devoid of contact with the opposite sex makes expression of normal sexual desires difficult.
Single sex dominated environments like boys/girls Hostels, closed enclosures, working places (ships, oil rigs, military, construction), etc.

Even Peer group pressure for same sex relationship is observed.

5.Failed relationships – A major failed relationship might imprint hatred against the opposite sex. Same sex relationships are seen as more comforting and understanding.

6. Poor Heterosexual sexual experience – Sexual intercourse is closely linked to the ego of an individual. Fear to perform, a poor or painful sexual intercourse with the opposite sex, might create extreme fear within an individual. This fear might promote an individual to go for same sex relationships.

We need the society to understand that Homosexuality is a sexual preference.
That doesn’t make a person different from any other individual. He/She has the same emotions and physical desires as any other person.