Don’t Quit .

“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will; When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill; When the funds are low and debts are high; And You want to smile but You have to sigh. When all is pressing You down a bit – Rest if You must, but don’t You quit. Success is failure turned inside out; The silver tint on the clouds of doubt; And You can never tell how close You are; It may be near when it seems far. So stick to the fight when You’re hardest hit – It’s when things go wrong that You must not quit.”

-John Greeneleaf Whittier.

Ten States of Life.

‘ While deluded, one is called a Common Mortal, but once Enlightened he is called a Buddha. ‘

Hell: extremity of suffering.

This is a state of abject misery, In this condition one feels continuous torment and anguish. One feels trapped and powerless, as if in prison. This feeling of helplessness induces the anger of frustration. It is a different kind of anger from that of, for example, anger of justice.It is helpless rage. In hell, time seems painfully slow. Space, or one’s sphere of influence, is severely restricted, For example, when we are depressed we can think of nothing but ourselves, and we feel as if our depression will last forever.

Hunger: insatiable desire.

Hunger is characterized by greed, Desires dominate one’s life. Even if a desire is satisfied, one is only temporarily appeased before being dominated by another desire. Of course, like any other of the ten states, desire is essential to life. Desire has been the driving force behind civilization and has brought about many improvements. However if desire is unchecked by respect and wisdom, it becomes selfish greed which leads to destruction, as evidenced by pollution.

Animality: a life of intinct.

In this state, one follows one’s instinctive desires with no thought of the outcome. It is called animality because it is like the law of the jungle, where the strong prey upon the weak and the weak fear the strong. It is natural in the animal world for hunters to kill the weakest of their prey, which in turn helps to preserve the strength of that species. Self-preservation, such as getting enough food and sleep, is a vital function of animality. However, instinct needs to be tempered by the human qualities of reason, conscience, love and mercy. If it is not, we will be unable to create and maintain a peaceful and constructive co-existence in both our personal lives and the world at large.

Conditions of suffering.

The life-conditions of hell, hunger and animality are collectively called the three evil paths, They are called evil because they are conditions  of suffering in which one is controlled by helpless agony, desire or other instinctive forms of behaviour, The fourth state, anger. does have an element of humanity in that one is self-conscious and consequently aware of the opinion of others. Nevertheless, it too is a state of suffering. Anger is therefore grouped with hell, hunger and animality, which together form the four evil paths.

Anger: the world of conflict.

A person in anger is dominated by Ego. He thinks he is better, and knows better than everyone else and works exclusively for his own benefit. Concerned about the opinion of others, he may make an outward show of being benevolent or righteous, but inwardly he is solely motivated by his own gain.

The anger of this state is different to the self-consuming rage of hell. In anger one’s conceit and desire to win is paramount, so the anger is directed outwards. As opposed to the rage of hell, which is debilitating this kind of self-righteous anger has tremendous energy which can also be used in creative ways such as in defending a just cause.

Tranquility: the human being.

In tranquility, one controls his instinctive desires with reason. This is the humane, calm and reasonable state of mind in which one is at peace with himself and others. It has such qualities as intelligence, sound judgement, superior wisdom, the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, and a good temperament. Although tranquility, also called humanity, is the state which is most natural to human beings, it is easy to maintain in our turbulent society.

Rapture: overwhelming joy.

Rapture, sometimes called heaven is the exhilaration experienced through the satisfaction of a desire. This state is sub-divided into the world of desire, form and formlessness. In the first of these, rapture comes from the satisfaction of any desire, such as eating one’s favourite food, gaining a material possession, or achieving power or recognition. Rapture in the world of form has to do with physical well-being and energy, such as the pleasure derived from sex or the exhilaration of sport. In the world of formlessness it is the spiritual fulfilment of intense creativity.

In rapture time flies past and one has a strong influence on the outer world. One feels light with energy and tremendously joyful. However, this state is short-lived. Once the desired objective palls, one tends to fall into hunger, hell or animality.

Learning: self-reflection. 

The last four of the ten states are termed the four noble paths because in order to experience them one has to make an effort, In the six lower life-states, one wanders weakly from state to state, depending on changing circumstances. To experience the four noble paths, one must make a conscious effort to motivate and direct one’s life. In the state of learning one has an open mind, applies oneself to self-development through learning from others and gain wisdom through self-reflection. A person in this state is actively looking for deeper meaning in life.

Absorption: realisation. 

Absorption is very similar to learning in that one is seeking to cultivate oneself. However, rather than learning from others, one gains insight and wisdom from introspection and intuition. A classic example of a person in absorption is Archimedes who, it is popularly believed, shouted “eureka” when he realised his famous principle whilst musing in the bath. This life-state is very creative and absorbing hence its name.

Literature, music and the arts, as well as the great discoveries of science, stem from the states of learning and absorption. Whilst often motivated by concern for the welfare of others, those dominated by these states can tend to be inward-looking. They can become oblivious to others and loose sight of the possible effects of their great discoveries and inventions until it is too late. An outstanding example of this is the development of the nuclear bomb. A more personal example might be an artist who, absorbed in his work fails to take care of his family.

Learning and absorption are known jointly as the two vehicles. People who are inclined towards these life-states often attain positions of prominence in society and can therefore have far-reaching influence. However, those who have mastered a great deal of theory may adopt a superior attitude, thinking they know it all. If this happens they lose the will to develop themselves, become arrogant and selfish and fall back into one of the six lower states, such as anger or animality.

Bodhisattva: caring for others.

One experiences this state when devoted to helping others. The great compassion of the state of bodhisattva is seen in the most caring nurses, doctors and teachers who are dedicated to the welfare of others, even at the expense of their own comfort. Mothers too, who show unconditional love for their children are in this state. The negative aspect of this life condition is that those devoted to caring for others often wear themselves out in the process, having no way of replenishing their energy. This has become known as “compassion fatique”.

Bodhisattva originally meant one who summons up courage in the hope of attaining Buddhahood. In a Buddhist sense, therefore, in the state of bodhisattva one recognises that helping others is the most effective way of perfecting oneself. Empathizing with another’s suffering, one takes action to help, thereby overcoming selfish and egotistical tendencies. In Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, therefore, the bodhisattva is not selfless. the development of the self – that is, the greater self of reason, conscience, wisdom and courage – is vitally important in order to release the limitless energy of compassion from within. Self-reformation and altruism go hand in hand so that one does not yield to the weaknesses of despair, selfishness or ego.

Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

Nichiren Daishonin often referred to his followers as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. First described in the fifteenth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, they appeared from the earth to spread the Buddhist Law throughout the universe. The earth symbolises that these are ordinary people, from every walk of life, who choose to devote themselves to working for the good of all. Earth also means the foundation of Buddhahood.

Bodhisattvas of the Earth have four virtues: true self, eternity, purity and happiness. These are developed through self-reformation. the virtue of true self is established by strengthening oneself to withstand difficulties, turning them into opportunities for growth. The virtue of eternity is to experience freedom through believing in the eternity of life, and to work spontaneously towards the greater happiness of society. Purity is to demonstrate true wisdom and reason, unswayed by selfish desires or ego. Happiness means to live with great joy, securely founded on the creative power of life. These qualities are developed by tapping into the ‘earth’ of Buddhahood. Bodhisattvas of the Earth are truly humane, compassionate and joyful people.

Buddhahood: the state of enlightenment.

Many people think that Buddhahood is a kind of superhuman state which has only been attained by one person: the Buddha. However, ‘Buddha’ means an enlightened person. It is indeed an unsurpassed state of life and in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, it is accessible to all.

Although the Lotus Sutra taught that all people are equally capable of attaining Buddhahood, it did not teach a means whereby everyone could actually do so. Nichiren Daishonin defined the law of the universe, or the law of life, as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, so that we can actually harmonise our lives with the universe. This generates understanding of the continuity of past, present and future: the eternity of life. It gives direct access to the boundless life-force of the cosmos, as well as the great wisdom which arises from being in oneness with all life. The essential nature of th universe is compassion, so that in Buddhahood one’s main concern is to save all life from suffering.

Buddhist teachings traditionally portray the Buddha as an incredible being with mystic powers. Nichiren Daishonin clarifies that these are description of the magnificence of human life or, more broadly speaking, all life, including insentient life. However from a personal point of view, the important revelation is that each one of us has unlimited potential and power to overcome suffering and live based on indestructible happiness. Nichiren Daishonin says:

You, yourself are a true Buddha who possesses the three enlightened properties (courage, wisdom and compassion). You should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with this conviction.

The people of thirteenth century Japan thought the Buddha was a being with superhuman powers: something they could never aspire to. Nichiren Daishonin therefore often encouraged his followers by reassuring them, as well as us, that Buddhism is about how to fulfil the whole of our potential as human beings, overcome suffering, be happy, and help others.

TEN STATES OF LIFE:

BUDDHAHOOD                                       enlightenment

BODHISATTVA                                        caring for others

ABSORPTION                                           realisation

LEARNING                                                self-reflection

RAPTURE                                                  heaven

TRANQUILITY                                         humanity

ANGER                                                       self-righteousness

ANIMALITY                                              instinctive behaviour

HUNGER                                                    greed

HELL                                                           extreme suffering

The Mutual possession of the ten states.

In early Buddhist teachings, the above ten states were thought to exist in separate places. This is why they were called the ten worlds. It was considered impossible to move from world to another within a single lifetime. There are still some Buddhist sects which sustain the belief that a ‘pure land’ (rapture or heaven) can be attained only after death, and that one must therefore endure suffering and devote oneself to good deeds in order to be reborn there. Endurance and perseverance are undoubtedly admirable human qualities. However religions which teach that a ‘pure land’ lies elsewhere leave people open to exploitation, keeping them in their place, working hard and expecting nothing, in hope of a better life after death.

In contrast Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism teaches the mutual possession of the ten states: each state contains all ten within itself. This means that all people , whatever their life-state, have the potential to reveal Buddhahood. Also very importantly it means that the Buddha state is not removed from ordinary life because it contains all ten states. In other words, there is no separation between Buddha and an ordinary person. Buddhahood is accessible to anyone and everyone.

People in the state of Buddhahood then, do not cut themselves off from the realities of daily life in the nine worlds. Because their lives have a secure foundation, they actively delve into society in order to help others, in this way they are able to reveal the creative qualities of the nine states. Everything becomes a source of growth. The suffering of hell becomes a means to empathise with others. Hunger becomes desire for peace. Animality promotes gratitude for others’ support. Anger becomes anger for justice, and so on.

‘Buddhahood is endowed with infinite compassion and wisdom. The wisdom of Buddhahood penetrates to the diabolic nature that subverts life and tries to destroy it. The compassion of Buddhahood furnishes the energy to overcome this evil force. In this way, the wisdom and compassion of Buddhahood becomes manifest in the nine states, And as they act in theses states, they themselves are nourished and increased, strengthening the Buddhahood within us.

We must not for this reason seek to avoid the difficulties and challenges of the nine states, but rather meet them head on and overcome them, thus turning them into valuable experience. If one attempts to avoid difficulties, one misses the chance to develope and improve oneself. To avoid trouble is no more than to succumb to the illusions of the nine states. the mark of Buddhahood is the ability to meet all challenges and turn then into good. Indeed, the person who bases his life on Buddhahood seeks out new difficulties and new challenges that need to be overcome for the sake of the world, as well as for his own growth and development.’

1. The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol 1, p. 30.

2. Daisaku Ikeda, Life: An Enigma, a Precious Jewel, pp. 144-5.

– excerpts from  -Basics of Buddhism. by Pat Allwright.

 

“The End is Nigh ” !??!

“The End is Nigh”, Men have been predicting the end of the earth – the great disillusion; where-in all will perish, the slate is wiped clean and there is supposedly a new beginning to it all; A new Eon a new Era begins.

However do we know the truth where did it all Begin and when will it all End, well to know some facts let’s understand and get some figure’s to it all.

The Age Count of Lord Brahma’s Lifespan

– from The Ghat Ramayana.

One day everyone will be snatched by the messengers of the Death of God. No one is this creation is spared from death. Whatever has been created will one day perish.The manufactured pot will break one day. Whosoever is born, definitely has to one day Die.

Starting from the smallest living being upto to the creator and ruler of the three worlds – Lord Brahma all will die. Just like other living beings the three Lords – Lord Brahma (The creator) , Lord Vishnu (The sustainer) and Lord Shiva (The destroyer) too have a fixed life span. This will be surprising for you that the Three rulers of this creations – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva too have to die. There is no need to give details; however for the particulars, I should say that God has created things with a fixed ‘limit’. A detailed explanation has been given ahead in this chapter. The description of the Life span of the Three Gods goes like this…………….

The extent of Lord Brahma’s life is huge as compared to the lifespan in the mortal world. The lifespan of a human being is 100 years; whereas a housefly lives only one to four months. Insects & moths born in the rainy season live only a few hours; and some bacteria live for few seconds.

Different living beings have different lifespan. It can be from seconds to hundreds of years. The lifespan of different beings is as follows :-

1. House-fly – 1 month to 4 months

2. Mouse – 2 to 3 years.

3. Squirrel – 8 to 9 years.

4. Dog – 16 to 18 years.

5. Tiger – 20 to 25 years.

6. Horse – 25 to 30 years.

7. Ostrich – 45 to 50 years.

8. Elephant – 79 to 90 years.

9. Human being – 80 to 100 years.

Like this, one year of a Human life is equal to one day and one night of the Gods. That is the 6 months Uttarayan of human beings ( the period from 21st December to 20th June also known as the summer solstice) is a Day of Gods. The 6 months of Dakshinayan of human beings (the period from 21^st June to 20^th December also known as the winter solstice)  is one night of the Gods.

Our one month is a one Day and one Night of “Pitar’s”. The “Shuklpaksh” or (fortnight period from new moon to full moon as per the lunar calendar) is the Day of Pitars; and the” Krishnpaksh” ( the fortnight period between full moon to new moon as per the lunar calendar) is their Night.

• Age of Kalyug (Dark or Iron Age) =  432 000 years.

• Age of Dwaparyug ( BronzeAge) =  864 000 years.

• Age of Traytayug (Silver Age)  =  1 296 000 years.

• Age of Satyug (Golden Age) =  1 728 000 years.

• Age of Chaokdiyug  =  4 320 000 years.

• One Day of Lord Brahma is = 1000 Chaokdiyug

According to the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita,  Chapter 6 , Shlok (Verse) 17;  and the Shrimad Bhagvat,  Skand 12 ,Chapter  4, Shlok 2:  One Year of Lord Brahma has  360 Days, counting like this : –

• One Day of Brahmaji =  4320 000 x 1000 years = 4 320 000 000 years.

• Day & Night of Brahmaji =  8 640 000 000 years.

• One year of Brahmaji =  3 110 400 000 000 years.

• Age of Brahmaji =  311 040 000 000 000 years.

• One Day of Vishnuji = 3 110 400 000 000 years.

• One year of Vishnuji = 1 119 744 000 000 000 years.

• Age of Vishnuji =  111 974 400 000 000 000 years.

• One Day of Shivji =  1 119 744 000 000 000 years.

• One year of Shivji = 403 107 840 000 000 000 years.

• Age of Shivji =  40 310 784 000 000 000 000 years.

read as – “4 Maha shankh 03 shankh 10 padam 78 neel  40 kharab years”. 

If we calculate according to Brahmaji’s one year having 360 days, then Shivji;s age is “4 maha shankh 03 shankh 10 padam 78 neel and 40 kharab years”. 

In the first chapter of Surya sidhant, in shlok 15 to 24, it is clarified that:

One Chaokdiyug  =  4 320 000 years

One Manvanter = 71 chaokdiyugs = 306 720 000 years .

At the end of each Manvanter there is a Sandhya for 1728000 years. This period is equal to the period of Satyug. At the end of  Manvanter when the Sandhya comes, the complete earth is drowned in water. There are 14 Manvanters with their Sandhyas in one Kalp (one day of Brahmaji). Except this in the beginning of Kalp there is a Sandhya equal to the period of Satyug. Like this, in addition to the 71 Chaokdiyugs of 14 Manvanters in one Kalp, there are 15 Sandhyas equal to the age of Satyug.

In one Manvanter there are = 71 Chaokdiyugs, therefore in 14 Manvanters = 71 x14 Chaokdiyug. And the period of 15 Sandhya (time length equal to Satyug) is equal to the 6 Chaokdi yugs. Period of these two is equal to 1000 Chaokdi yugs or Mahayug or Divyayug.

• One Chaokdiyug = 4 320 000 years.

• 71 Chaokdiyug = 306 720 000 years.

• The Sandhya in the beginning of Kalp = 1 728 000 years.

• The Sandhya of 14 Manvanters = 24 192 000 years.

• 14 Manvanter = 4 294 080 000 years.

• Total = 4 320 000 000 years.

Therefore including the Sandhya of the Kalp 14 Manvanter or one Kalp = 4 320 000 000 years = 1000 Chaokdiyugs.

The day of Brahmaji is one Kalp. The night too is for the same period. Brahmaji’s age is called “Param Ayu” : adding his day & night, his Param Ayu is 100 years. It is called “Par”. At this time Brahmaji has spent half of his life – that is one “Paradh” and is continuing in the second “Paradh”.

References :

1. Vishnu Puran Geeta Press Gorakhpur, first part, chapter 3, shlok 27,28.

2. Shrimad Bhagvat, Geeta press Gorakhpur, skandh (chapter) 11, shlok 33 to 36.

3. Shri Surya Sidhant, Khem Raj Shri Krishan Das Prakshan, Mumbai, chapter 1, shlok 21 to 23. 

At  present , it is the first day or Kalp of Brahmaji’s 51st year. From the beginning of the present Kalp till today six Manvanters have passed with their Sandhya. Their names are – Swanmbhuv, Swarchish, Uttam, Tamas, Raivat and Chakshush. Including the Sandhya of Kalp, the seven Sandhyas have passed. Uptil now 27 Chaokdiyugs of the present Manvanter named Vaivasvat, has passed. Satyug, Treta and Dwapar of the 28th Chaokdi yug have passed and Kalyug is going on. This whole description is given in Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta of Geeta Press Gorakhpur.

Count Since the Creation of the World.

                At present it is Vikrami Samvat 2064 and the year 2007. Till now 5108 years of Kalyug have passed. Accordingly 426892 years of Kalyug are left. The calculation of time from the beginning to the Vikrami Samvat and year 2007 is like this :

• 50 years of Brahmaji = 155 520 000 000 000 years.

• 6 Manvanters = 1 840 320 000 years.

• 7 Sandhyas = 12 096 000 years.

• 27 Chaokdi Yugs = 116 640 000 years.

• Satyug of 28^th Chaokdi Yug =  1 728 000 years.

• Trayta of 28^th Chaokdi Yug = 1 296 000 years.

• Dwapar of 28^th Chaokdi Yug = 864 000 years.

• Kalyug of 28^th Chaokdi Yug, which has already passed = 5108 years.

Total  = 155 521 972 949 108 years.

read as – 15 neel 55 kharab 21 arab 97 crore 29 lakh 49 thousand 108 years (155 521 972 949 108 years) have passed since the world was created.

Age of Shivji  = 40 310 784 000 000 000 000 years.

The time passed since the creation of world = 155521972949108 years.

The remaining period till the end of the world = 40310628478027050892 years.

read as  – the world will end after 4 maha shankh 03 shankh 10 padam 62 neel 84 kharab 78 arab 02 crore 70 lakh 50 thousand 892 years (40310628478027050892 years)

If we calculate 365 days = 1 year of Brahmaji, the counting will be like this :

• One Day of Brahmaji =  4320 000 x 1000 years = 4 320 000 000 years.

• Day & Night of Brahmaji =  8 640 000 000 years.

• One year of Brahmaji =  3 153 600 000 000 years.

• Age of Brahmaji =  315 360 000 000 000 years.

• One Day of Vishnuji = 3 153 600 000 000 years.

• One year of Vishnuji = 1 151 064 000 000 000 years.

• Age of Vishnuji =  115 106 400 000 000 000 years.

• One Day of Shivji =  1 151 064 000 000 000 years.

• One year of Shivji = 420 138 360 000 000 000 years.

• Age of Shivji =  42 013 836 000 000 000 000 years.

read as – “4 Maha shankh 20 shankh 13 padam 83 neel 60 kharab years”. 

                If we calculate according to Brahmaji’s one year having 365 days, the age of Shivji is 4 maha shankh 20 shankh 13 padam 83 neel  60 kharab years.

Ref. From the Ghat Ramayan by Tulsi Sahibji of Hathras, India.

Excerts from Spiritual Discourse By Param Sant Baba Kehar Singhji,  Radha Swami Tarn Taran, India.

The Dalai Lama’s 18 Rules for Living :-

1. Take into account that great love & achievements involve great risks.
2. When you Lose, don’t lose the Lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s :-  a.Respect for Self   b.Respect for Others   c.Responsibility for All your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what You want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of Luck.
5. Learn the rules well, so You know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When You realize you’ve made a mistake take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend sometime Alone everyday.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your Values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a Good Honorable Life. Then when you get older and think back you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your Home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. its a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be Gentle to the Earth.
16. Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give-up in order to get it.

The Search

I sought Him in Congregations, Where Christians knelt in Prayer.

Oh ! Surely He is on Calvary, On the Cross? He was not there.

I sought Him where heathen worship In Temple and in shrine;

But wherever I’d turn, I’d only learn How fruitless this search of mine.

I journeyed to the distant Herat and Kandahar,

O’er hill and glen I’d ask of men; None knew Him, near or far.

I scaled the rugged mountain and gazed from Oaf’s lone peak;

The birds of the air had nested there, All else was bare and bleak.

I asked the sage of Sina; He knew not where He’d stay.

In Gabriel’s court in Heaven I sought And empty turned away.

Silent and Still, my searching eyes within my heart did roam.

And lo !, the light of His presence bright !

T’was there, t’was there His Home.

– Sun of Tabriz.

 

A Prayer

Dear Master !,
I am Completely Ignorant,
I fail Absolutely……what to ask from Thee.
Whatever You deem Appropriate, Grant me Just that,
Also grant me the Strength as well the Discretion,
To be happy in whatever You grant me and
Wherever and How-So-Ever You keep me.
I lack fine Virtues, and have no Devoutness towards Thee,
All my Deeds are Dark and full of Sins.
I lack all Goodnesses,
The Oh! so powerful Mind has absolutely crushed me.
Dear Master !,
To a Misdemeanor as me,
There is no shelter & Solace other than Thy Holy Feet.
Please have Mercy on this sinner and grant Asylum unto Thee.
I ask for nothing else,
Please have Mercy on this sinner and grant Asylum unto Thee.
I ask for nothing else,
Make me thy Slave,
So I may become Thine and Thee mine.