STRESS, DHARMA, COSMIC DYNAMICS AND NAMASMARAN
DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The microcosmic and macrocosmic manifestations of movements, colors, sounds, rhythms, melody, behaviors and the emotional relationships; amongst the nonliving and living forms; are intricate and subtle. They are beyond one’s intellectual comprehension and even imagination.

All that we see and even perceive; is defined and restricted by the characteristics of our sensory receptors and the limitations of cerebral cortex and hence; forms a small fraction of what actually “exists” around!

Actually the concept of “existence” has also been born from our physiologically limited; though cumulative framework of intelligence; through the civilizations. We are entrained to assume; that whatever we “perceive” or “experience”; exists, and what we do not; does not “exist”! Thus we have “learnt” to conceptualize birth and death separated by existence!

It is kind of addiction to such belief that we feel extremely uncomfortable and sorry with even the thought of nonexistence or death.

Hence; truly speaking; even the fraction we perceive; may not be in congruence or in consonance with the core of nature. This alienation or separation from the core of the nature or cosmic consciousness; is the cause of inherent restlessness in most of us.

This separation from the core; and the addiction of individual “existence” or “living” manifests in the behavior; as; e.g. struggle for existence, which is apparently governed and directed by physical needs.

The separation from the core; manifests later, in the struggles and wars motivated by instincts and passions, aspirations, and ambitions of imposing, possessing, controlling, and owning and so on.

This separation from the core of nature; also manifests at personal levels in the dissatisfaction, from moment to moment; and dissatisfaction in different personal interactions.

The separation from the core of nature gives rise to strong or weak prejudices and likes and dislikes; in our minds; and these manifest in different walks of life we work in!

The process of study and practice of Total Stress Management involves; the understanding of our alienation or separation from the core of the nature or cosmic consciousness (our true self) first; and our reunification with it subsequently. I call this; “conscious evolutionary transformation” or individual and global blossoming.

Such clear vision and appreciation of the universe; is a blossoming experience. The individuals get freed from the subjectivity; and blossom into objective “existence” and merge with the core of nature! With such merger the “struggle” for individual existence ends! This is the root of DHARMA as well as soul of DHARMA.

The traditions, customs, conventions, and even manners and etiquettes are evolved in congruence and consonance with this essence of DHARMA.

Through such blossoming experience; we realize that individual subjectivity, constitutions, capabilities and skills are different. Intellectual, emotional, instinctual and physical needs are variable. This is so according to the different stages of evolution, in different people, ages and situations.

Different individuals do different so that the natural or divine orchestra; or the cosmic dance continues; with all its splendor, melody and charm; while simultaneously opening all the possibilities and opportunities for every individual to blossom to his/her fullest potentials! This is called his or her SWA-DHARMA implying the expression of the innate core!

This is why; DHARMA and SWADHARMA have such paramount importance in our life. If we understand this; then we would be able to transcend the conflicts, controversies, chaos and confusion; over different ideologies, theism, atheism, organized religions, conversions and so on!

From another point of view; all the subjectivity is contingent in the “objectivity in and around, which is the eternal master and manager of the cosmic orchestra”! The universe is filled with this innate harmony; vibrant with orchestrated rhythm!

DHARMA and SWADHARMA; embody emulation of this cosmic orchestra at individual, social, global and universal levels, by identifying and performing the respective roles! The greater the accuracy in emulation, the greater would the rhythm, harmony and melody in universe and vice versa.

This state of identification of one’s role and its assertion; marked by victory over restlessness (born out of separation from the core of nature), is implied in the preaching of Marathi saints; “THEVILE ANANTE TAISECHI RAHAVE, CHITTI ASO DYAVE SAMADHAN” (Perceive the divine plan of the Almighty i.e. the comic consciousness; and live and blossom happily in it)!

In view of the “fall of the leaves” of the tree of DHARMA; i.e. decline and disappearance of most of the traditions and customs; there is a need for new traditions, new customs and new way of life; which can be developed with global consensus; through realization of the innate unity. The immortal gurus have been preaching for millennia; that NAMASMARAN and its ecstatic, subjective and objective experience; bring about rejuvenation of DHARMA and are; the core of DHARMA!