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.

JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SIMARAN, SUMIRAN, REMEMBRANCE AND SMARAN: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The great seers see the undercurrents of unity. They live in the plane and the spirit of unity!

However; some of their followers often knowingly or unknowingly stick to some rigid discipline, which often assumes the form of rituals.

This is useful to preserve the heritage of the seer, by virtue of preempting complacency, lethargy and irresponsibility. It is also useful to some extent; to prevent casual approach and/or vulgarization; and maintain sanctity and due seriousness.

But when this discipline sticks to the external form and the paraphernalia and loses the spirit of the visionary; it becomes a hindrance to the revitalizing and rejuvenating globalization of the very spirit with which the visionary lived.

This is exactly why; even as there are billions of people practicing NAMASMARAN; as a result of the illuminating lives of the seers, sages, saints and prophets; there are literally; so many disunited or un-united sects and cults; even amongst the practitioners and advocates of NAMASMARAN, do not understand that the synonyms such as JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SIMARAN, SUMIRAN, REMEMBRANCE and SMARAN; imply the same spirit of unity and harmony.

They do not seem to understand that all such synonyms from different languages and different traditions, most importantly connote the conceptualization of holistic perspective, policy, plans, programs and their implementation and actually realize the universal unity, harmony and blossoming; foreseen by the seers!

If this becomes clear, then; starting with the practitioners and advocates of NAMASMARAN of different sects, cults, traditions and religions; rest of the people of the world; including even the atheists; would actually unite and blossom!

Recently we operated upon a 63 yrs old male who had CAD since last 10years and was very symptomatic as he had myocardial infarction or heart attack couple of times with the result his heart function went down to bare 15%. He was refused intervention every where in view if the high risk involved in it. Even his one of relatives in USA is a cardiologist and he also advised very high risk for surgery. He went into heart failure a number of times and was treated at local hospitals for that. Looking at the heart function he was refused surgery but treated medically or was suggested PTCA in one of arteries with doubtful benefit..
He came to us again and on ECHO his ejection fraction was only 15%, dilated heart and muscle looked to be thin. His angiography done in NCR showed severe triple vessel disease. Dilated heart with low heart function makes it very high risk surgery. His �Euro score� a criteria to assess risk of surgery based on the clinical and investigative parameters was 14 indicating a mortality of 40%.We decided to do a further work up and went for PET scan(positron emission tomography) which gives us a very good idea that whether the heart muscle is viable or not and can it be revived by revascularization. Luckily for him PET showed good muscle with reasonably good viability in most of areas except two areas. Based on this we came to a conclusion that he will benefit if preoperatively he tolerates the procedure. We decided to offer him a beating heart surgery a new technique adopted with us for last 10years where you avoid heart lung machine and its side effects which is very crucial in such cases for good recovery. Intra-operatively we used special gadgets to monitor functioning of the heart continuously with continuous cardiac output catheter. Adequate preparation i.e. decongestion and putting intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) preoperatively was done which helps heart in giving more blood. After 24hrs we took him for OPCAB(beating heart surgery) and did three by- passes on his heart. His lung pressures were very high which were manipulated with drugs and they settled down after the grafting. He sustained the procedure well and in the post operative period did very well. IABP was removed on 3rd day and all drugs to help heart were off by 5th post operative day. He was mobilised and shifted to HDU to see his early mobilization under close supervision. He was very comfortable in walking around extensively with normal parameters and was discharged on 9th day. Before discharge his heart function came up to 30% from 15% a massive improvement. It will further improve but slowly. These patients are ideally suitable only for heart transplant but facilities for this in our country are few and too expensive to maintain it also. If left untreated the prognosis is not very good as low output state and repeated heart failure damages the other organs like kidneys, liver and they succumb to multi-organ failure. Careful planning and extra care with new technologies help saving such lives and gives them quality of life also.
Thus �Time is muscle and do not lose it in waiting.� By- pass surgery done at appropriate time in stable condition is the best thing to happen to heart and it increases your quality of life and prevents further set- backs to heart muscle. He was operated by a team headed by Dr Virendar Sarwal, In charge Dept. Of CTVS Max hospital, Dr Ajay Sinha, Dr Arat Nahak, Dr Srinivas, Dr Goswami, Dr Shailender at Max Superspeciality Hospital, Mohali.

LOVE AND NAMASMARAN DR SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Love is oxygen of life. But unlike the oxygen gas; it is mysterious. It is not clearly and completely understood by even those who experience it. It is beyond reasoning and logic.

Love between; husband and wife, mother and baby; have always been the central themes of many great novels, plays, films, paintings, sculptures, dances, poetry etc. But in all these; love is also associated with tracery, cheating, hatred, dread and vengeance.

In fact; in our personal life also; we often have love and hate relationship.

Why is this so? Why is life apparently so much in contrast to the ideals of love and peace?

This is because love and hate is a product of physiological, biochemical, psychological and social factors. Love and hate result from the involuntary autonomic, neuroendocrine, endocrine and metabolic activities. Love and hate happens to most of us. It is not �done� by us. Involuntary love and hate determine our attitudes, predispositions, ideologies and personal and social behavior.

Only a small minority goes through (rather quickly) the stages of BADDHA, MUMUKSHU, SADHAK and SIDDHA and variably transcends the physiological and other factors. This minority and its personal and social behavior; are far less influenced by involuntary �love and hate�.

NAMASMARAN being the simplest and universally acceptable activity; its increasing practice, promotion and prevalence increases the proportion of this small minority.

In personal life; NAMASMARAN helps us transcend our physiological and other factors; and makes us less vulnerable to various external factors (e.g. to being manipulated sexually, emotionally, politically, financially and so on). This helps us to perceive the world more objectively and provide more holistic solutions to individual and global problems.