NAMASMARAN AND ELECTIONS: DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

Student: Sir, elections are declared and the various ‘transactions’ of election of peoples’ representatives have begun. What is your comment on this?
Teacher: Elections; is a part of democracy. It enables us to decide our representatives, who in turn would make decisions for us.
Student: But is it not disheartening to see the colossal wastage of money on misguiding propaganda? Is it not painful to witness brazen use of caste factors, money, muscle power and several crimes?
Teacher: Obviously it is disheartening and painful for a conscientious and sensitive individual.
Student: What to do?
Teacher: We have to understand it through introspection. If I am asked to make a decision in a court of law; when I am sleeping or when I am intoxicated, then what would I do? Or; if I am an innocent and gullible child and am asked to make judgment, then what would I do?
Student: You won’t be able to do it properly!
Teacher: Very true! Same holds true for us as a group or a society.
Student: What exactly do you mean?
Teacher: If we are not in a process of growing from within, then our judgment remains disoriented, confused, biased, prejudiced, subjective, gullible etc. We may get motivated by helplessness or by vested interests. In such a situation; we are likely to go wrong; for ourselves and for others!
Student: Do you think the society is like a child or an intoxicated person?
Teacher: All of us, who are not involved in a process of self realization through some means such as NAMASMARAN; are vulnerable to commit a mistake or a blunder or even a crime.
Student: But elections are deified! Increase in voting percentage is considered to be a panacea! It is said to be a cure for every evil in the society!
Teacher: It is certainly better if more people are involved in voting. The peoples’ representatives would be representing a larger portion of the society. The representation would be more realistic. But; though most of us, the voters and the candidates, whether genuinely or otherwise; feel that increasing percentage of voting; is a panacea for the cure of all evils; we are wrong!

Elections are actually the means; amongst other means and qualities; such as honesty, responsibility, accountability, punctuality, creativity, study, analysis, experimentation, research, industry, agriculture, craft, business, art, literature, sports, rituals, festivals, conventions, prayers, and individual and social protests; evolved during the development of human civilization. Elections like other means; are meant for ushering in; the ambience that would be conducive to individual and global blossoming. They are not the end in themselves.

In as much as it is true that elections are important means, it is more accurate to say that assuming elections and the democracy as the end in themselves and neglecting the other means of global blossoming such as those mentioned above, would be naive and counterproductive.

Student: From immediate practical point of view, isn’t it true and important that we vote in maximum number?
Teacher: From immediate practical point of view; also; it is necessary to get involved in the process of inner growth, the process of self realization. In fact it is urgent and essential. It is more important and vital; than anything else! What is the use of voting when we are in slumber or out of our senses?
Student: But would it not take prolonged time for self realization?
Teacher: Self realization is a continuous process. It is like treading on a correct path. Hence, first and foremost thing is to come on right path! This alone; and nothing else; can give assurance of reaching the destination!
Student: So, what is your suggestion?
Teacher: We must get empowered to vote selflessly and bravely and elect benevolent candidates? Conversely those who seek to be elected must get empowered; to give selfless and brave governance!

At least conscientious persons like you; should realize that most of the enlightened visionaries have reiterated time and again that; NAMASMARAN – the process of self realization is the source of universally benevolent and empowering inner light; and a basis, essence and culmination of individual and global blossoming! Shouldn’t NAMASMARAN be our topmost priority before, during and after elections?