Comments for [deleted] at http://medhajournal.com , comment 1 to 5 out of 5 comments http://medhajournal.com Sun, 19 May 2013 07:24:17 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://medhajournal.com/articles/philosophy/364-deleted.html#comment-1521 With all due respect, let me point out that I did not ever hold the opinion that Alex and Henry would not succeed in attaining realisation. The intention in this short inquiry was to understand what is the ideal motivation of the ascetics. Also, in BG 7.17, Krsna does indeed clearly say he favours the devotee who has an attitude similar to Richard's. That statement escaped my search while I was writing the note. dwai, certainly, I did not mean to say that the predicament of American enthusiasts is permanent or beyond repair. I should have made it clear there that I was referring to Americans who indulge in materialism and Yoga at the same time, ignorant of the fact that they are different and that they (the enthusiasts) are thus flawed in their approach. Partha, it is not modesty, it is truth. If you compare my writings with some of the other amateur philosophers, I don't think I stand a chance of being called intelligent, which is if such a comparison is possible and accurate at all. - Akshay Peshwe Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:27:16 +0100 http://medhajournal.com/articles/philosophy/364-deleted.html#comment-1518 Dear Akshay That is a very well written article -and the fact that you have used examples makes things very clear.A wonderful way of putting forward a thought. I too felt Alex and Henry would reach that higher plane [ may take a longer time] but Pradip has explained that point very beautifully. As he says, most of us are like Alex and Henry and the stories of Bhakts we read prove, that it is possible for people who are frustrated by a distressing life -changing experience to move towards [i]religion[/i] [ as they seek a pain killer or a stress buster]. But they too can certainly move towards [i]spirituality[/i] if they take that [i]one[/i] , all impoartant step towards HIM. He then takes [i]TEN[/i] steps towards them and if he so wishes, he can grant them [i]gnana[/i] in a flash! Regards ns - narensomu Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:05:41 +0100 http://medhajournal.com/articles/philosophy/364-deleted.html#comment-1515 Dear Akshay, This is a fascinating topic, the motivation for becoming a monk. You have written that only Richard is right while Alex and Henry are frustrated materialists.You give Gita 2.47 as the reason for your opinion. I think Gita 2.47 (To work alone you have competence, and not to claim their fruits. Let not the longing for fruits be the motive force of your action. At the same time let not this attitude confirm you in indolent inaction.) is about Karma Yoga and has nothing to do with Sannyas. I think all three are right! It does not matter that Alex and Henry are frustrated materialists. Gita considers even frustrated materialists as noble and pious as is clear from the following verses: O Arjuna, the greatest of the Bharata race! Four kinds of pious men adore Me. They are the distressed one, the knowledge-seeker, the wealth-seeker, and the knower (jnani). (Gita 7.16) Among them, the knower (jnani), ever communing and single-minded in devotion, is the best. I am indeed supremely dear to such a jnani, and he is dear to Me. (Gita 7.17) While all of them are certainly noble, the jnani I cherish as My very self - such is My view. For ever in union with Me, he is established in the conviction that I am his highest goal. (Gita 7.18) Most people are like Alex and Henry! Regards Pradip - Dr. Pradip Gangopadhyay Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:43:09 +0100 http://medhajournal.com/articles/philosophy/364-deleted.html#comment-1512 Dear Akshay, Once again a very well articulated stance. I must say that you have analyzed the "quest" and the "seekers" rather well. But I would like to highlight one portion of your article specifically, to express my thoughts. [quote]note that the phrase "pursuing spirituality" does not imply the kind of superficially spiritual lifestyle, typified by some American aspirants who claim to practise Yoga yet continue to indulge in the American dream[/quote] Spirituality is a continually evolving process of self-realization (I won't call it self-improvement, but dispelling of misconceptions about oneself). Indeed, an abjectly materialistic society will naturally give rise to a materialistic approach to everything (consumerism at it's peak) -- thus the American [i]Yogis[/i] tendency to be superfluous. But reality is that any step in the Path is a right step and a journey of a thousand miles begins with that first one. So, ideally the aspirant's goal has to be rooted in Sattva. But we don't live in an ideal world and a gradual journey from Tamas to Rajas to Sattva isn't all that bad (given the alternative). While it is true that not everyone can make this transition, it is also true that a dedicated practice will eventually refine the self and lead the seeker to his/her ultimate goal (whether they realize it as such or not). Regards, Dwai - dwai Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:01:49 +0100 http://medhajournal.com/articles/philosophy/364-deleted.html#comment-1510 I feel extremely grateful to the blessed author Vyasa of the Mahabharata for including the question in the Santi Parva CCXIX. Truly, the Mahabharata is correct in saying this about itself in the early parva section: What is found here, may be found elsewhere. What is not found here, will not be found elsewhere. - Akshay Peshwe Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:53:16 +0100