Miracle

The dictionary defines it as “An event due to supernatural agency”. It could be a remarkable event or object. Dyneshwar maharaj simplified the definition of Miracle for the confused humanity at large and showed the way to we mortals to see and feel God’s miracles. The great saint’s writings explained to his followers and devotees the simplest and easiest way to see and feel miracles during their journey of life . He said “ You need to purify your mind to the highest level by surrendering at Vitthal’s feet and dedicating every daily karma to HIM. Leave the fruits and end result to HIS wishes. Only then you will see and feel Miracles happening around you “ One has to achieve this supreme state as early as possible in one’s life time. Tukaram maharaj further simplified the path by singing Bhjans and conducting Kirtans and writing wonderful ‘Dohe”( two liners )which one can recite silently while doing karmas.

Feeling & seeing miracles means being with God for sure. I can vouch that I have felt at least four miracles and seen two miracles where I distinctly felt the presence of a superpower around me in those very serious situations in my life of 80 summers!

  Innumerable examples of miracles

To start with we mortals are the supreme example of God’s miracle. Followed by creation of mother Earth , Solar system and the infinite Universe. Somewhere due to unprecedented progress of scientific and technological knowledge of Mankind seems to have eclipsed the God’s miracles around us and we mortals have started to lose faith in our creator –GOD. Dyneshwar perhaps sensed this centuries ago and kept the remedy for our salvation as such.

Today , Corona –covid 19 pandemic has brought back all of us to our senses ! We, mortals are once again searching peace , safety , salvation and relief from this devil. The whole world has come to a standstill ,totally helpless and utterly confused. At this point of time ,I have a question to all those who are ‘Nastic –non believers in God and his work “. Such people always say “ No one has ever seen God” But then no one has seen corona virus floating around them and we fear it to our bones and we believe its existence world wide . Why? , we mortals fear it because it is killing the humanity in thousands on daily basis unabated for last one year plus. Do we need to fear God so that we may believe in his presence and existence. Then be it so , because Covid 19 is also his creation to teach us all a lesson of our life time . Why not ?

Ultimate Truth

Every thing originates from Lord Vitthal and every thing ends at his feet believed the great Saints such as Dyneshwar, Tukaram , Namdev, Eknath so many other greats. We all need to surrender our thoughts and mind at his feet as early in life as possible. Do not waste precious time given to us.

 Presence & Belief

“God’s presence is to be felt ,seen or felt & seen by we mortals” is what the great saint Dyneshwar worked in his shot life of 22 yrs before took the live Samadhi at Alandi near Pune in Maharashtra. Our capability for awareness and ability to see things helps us in this matter. But we need to be alert towards God’s presence and appreciate miracles around us. It is truly and widely believed that Vitthal( God) used to attend every kiran /bajan of his great disciple Namdev maharaj and in turn Namdevji could feel God’s presence and see the radiant form of the Lord , But others could not as they were not pure enough yet to see the miracles! Almost every one of us, use very common phrases such as ;

 “ God has been kind to me or us or them. “

 “He /She came in the nick of time to help out just like an Angle sent by God”

 Oh! It was a Godly intervention that saved her/his life .

 Oh! my God! is very common phrase used in daily conversation but grossly misued /misplaced and utterly meaningless too.

 Doctor’s special “Now, only God can save her/him”

 Typical condolence message ,”May God bless his/her soul with eternal peace in the heaven”

 A common condolence message to a grieving family,” we pray to Almighty God to give you all the strength to overcome this irreplaceable and untimely loss “

I am sure there are many such short lines used in all the languages where God is evoked, quoted or perhaps remembered inadvertently to accept that only superpower’s help or timely intervention saved the situation or gave desired results!

Dyneshwar and Tukaram worked towards eradication this human weakness or shall we say reluctance or ignorance of we mortals to believe in HIS omnipresence ,

Sant Tukaram ‘s life time work.

( Expressed as understood by this mortal)

Tukram was born in a rich family. He began his life like all we mortals do but he soon realized that the material comforts and money had very limited role to play in uplifting the Atma,“Soul “ living in the Deh(humanbody) to help attend ultimate goal ,Moksha,”State of ultimate bliss” explained The great saint found the way forward through teachings of Dyneshwar to uplift the humanity from the 3Ds Despair, Delusion ,Depressionand other fall outs such as other 3Mohas mainly Kama, Krodha, & Lobha meaning Lust ,Anger & Greed.

 I presume that by now , most of us and the humanity at large are well aware about the shortcomings and weaknesses mentioned above, but most of us find ourselves helpless and drifting directionless even if some of us want to pull ourselves out of the rut and up lift our soul for all round betterment of it.

Meaning of “MANDIR” ( Temple)

In Sant Tukaram’s words he defined it, M for Mamata, DI for Dvyata and R for Ramata as in Hindi /Marathi . In english it means Love ,Brightness and Involvement

COMMENCEMENT OF KIRTAN

Every Kirtankar starts his/her Kirtan by singing the famous Bhajan penned down by Sant Tukarm .In Marathi language it is titled as “ Roop Pahata Lochani—– “ . Roop means beautiful face of Lord Vitthal , Pahata means on seeing and Lochani meaning eyes. Kirtankar evokes the Lord as to how inspiring it is for him to see God’s beautiful murti with his eyes. (I would request you to hear at least one Kirtan that comes on ZEE –TALKIES channel every day –Mon to Saturday at 6 Pm. So that you could link with these articles.

TUKARAM’s study of Human Mind & Behavior.

The great saint first decided to study human mind and its intricacies and behavior pattern of we mortals before writing his teachings and conducting kirtans . He soon realized that most fragile thing in this world is ‘Human Mind” and it was imperative as well as prudent to master the art of understanding and handling the Human Mind . He developed one of his blessings “Amrut vani’(ability to address all with equal love and affection) to perfection . People would simply go in trance and felt blessed during and after hearing Tukaram’s recitation of his Abhang , Bahjan and Dohe .

Instead of asking ourselves “ Mai Kya Karu” ask “Mai Dusaro Kye liye kya kar Sakta Hu? . We must try our best as to how not to hurt the fragile mind of any human being by our karmas .

 ETERNAL AMBIGUITY IN HUMAN MIND

We mortals are totally confused when we try to understand “Karma/Fruit relationship. Tukaram was very clear about it and several other great saints who followed him . They all agree that every white or good Karma or black or bad Karma is reflected back towards the doer with the fruit or the result of the karma . If during the time lag between karmas done and fruits gotten the doer may change his/her human body ( He or she dies and takes another (birth)Janam) In such a case the fruit or the result catches up with the new body but same soul who did the Karma. It all means that system of check & balances continue till we attend Moksha. Please think on this theory seriously because it is the ultimate truth which Tukaram has tried to bring to us. The proof of this is seen when we see people getting god rewards and bad rewards during their life time. I do not want to name persons but there are ample examples around where a very well to do person has everything but no children, bad health , bad luck. We also learn a beggar , or a driver or a poor person suddenly winning a million rupee lottery! The stories can go on till the cows come home. We need to fully trust and understand Tukaram’s sayings and teachings. and eventually try to instill those qualities , practices and principles .

Story of Swami Vivekananda

Great men and women show their good qualities very early in their lives. Once as a small boy , Vivekanandji was playing with a group of boys in a garden. Suddenly ,the wind started blowing hard and a nearby tree fell close the group . A boy was injured seriously but in panic all the boys fled leaving Vivekananda alone with the injured boy. Vivekananda did not lose his cool but helped the injured friend till the medical help arrived to take the injured boy for further treatment. Vivekanada then went to meet the parents of the boy and explained that it was act of God and not the fault of the boy. These are qualities of great souls.

ULTIMATE TRUST IN GOD

There is a vast difference between Trust and Ultimate Trust . When we say” I have trust in God” perhaps what we may mean is Trust may or may not be unshakable! Whereas, when we say “I have ultimate trust in God” we definitely mean that I unconditionally and gracefully accept whatever is the end result of my Karma . Tukaram had ultimate trust in Vitthal . A story from the great Epic Mahabharata will clear the matter ;

“ When Pandavas lost everything in the gambling game with their cousins Kowravas ,the thing Pandavs could bet was Dropadi ( wife of Pandavas ). In sheer arrogance, Dushant ( one of the Kowravas) dragged Dropadi into the open public view to shamed Pandav brothers. Dropadi expected her husbands ( She had 5 brave Pandavas as her husbands)to come her rescue and save he dignity and honor . None of them stood up nor came forward to resist and stop Dushant from going ahead with bad intensions . Dropadi was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna(Another form of Vitthal). She cried out for help “ Krishna please rush and help me “ When she was crying loud and high she held out her right hand looking upwards while she struggled with her left hand to hold her sari trying her best to save her modesty. Nothing happened ,till in her absolute desperation she lifted her left hand upwards praying for God’s intervention . And it happened at the very instant !God sent down endless length of sari which Dushant kept on pulling hoping to disrobe the great devotee of Krishna, Dropadi!

The moral of the story for we mortals is to have ultimate ( total & unconditional ) trust in God and do our karmas leaving the fruits or result to HIM.

Following passages are my thoughts based on the way I have adopted Dyneshwar’s and Tukaram’s teachings . (You may agree / not agree )

BUT WHEN THINGS GO AGAINST OUR WISHES?

Our common mistake is when things go wrong , against our wishes or not as per plan our Ultimate trust changes into Trust or perhaps seriously shaken . Is it not ? ,otherwise we will not be mortals . Fate / destiny is the result of our karmas . Even God could not escape it. The great wheel of ETERNITY is moving for infinite time and so it will for infinite future times too. Tukram found the answer during his life time not only for himself but for entire humanity. The great saint had implicit faith in VItthal . His life time work on Abahngs / Dohe / Bhajan was dumped in the river Chandrabhaga by jealous and hypocrite Brahmin samaj. Yet the written books did not get damaged by water of the river and were salvaged by the villagers. Karma of Tukaram was too pure and godly to be destroyed !

We need to accept fruits and results of our karmas , doings , actions , reactions and our thoughts too.

WHO IS THE GREATEST MORTAL?

Anyone who stands for others in their needs and works selflessly for humanity , does good karmas only , has sweet and affectionate words for everyone , one who takes every step for uplifting others and not for self progress only. Tukaram followed it all till God called him in his arms and blessed him with Moksha.

The greatest Karma is to return every “Bad with Good” !

 In modern times and today’s context , people will call me call me stupid and perhaps will not hesitate to criticize likes Dyneshawar /Tukaram , Vivekananda and many great men of our living times . But you cannot over look the fact that the choices we mortals make to live our lives are responsible for the results and fruits . Karmas do not occur they are made to happen by our choices /wishes /desires etc.

  POWER OF AMRIT VANI

The Marathi word “Amrit” means Elixir and “Vani” means sound (predominantly eloquence of words or music ). In practical life , the great saint Tukaram fully understood the importance of this tool of communication with lord Vitthal as well as common man in street . He adopted mode of Amrit Vani in dealing with everyone he dealt with till his end. Every word that spoke sounded like God’s words in the ears of his devotees. The ability and mastering of Amrit Vani helped the great saint to make his Kirtans , Bhajans and Abhangs an experience of eternal bliss for all those who gathered to hear him and listen to his words for salvation of the soul of a mortal .The magnetic power of his voice attracted the famous founder & ruler of Swaraj ,Shri. Shivaji Raje who attended his kirtans in the disguise of a common farmer!

Amrit Vani helps us to do only good karmas , heal the wounded hearts , give comfort , peace and tranquility to disturbed minds of millions of people suffering from various types of losses in their lives . Tukaram’s kirtans had a healing touch which was miraculous in its effects . There was all ways a definite” take away” for every person who heard him . Shivaji was motivated to the core to take up arms against the atrocities of Mogul rulers after he heard the Kirtans of the great saint.

So what is our take away from this paragraph on Amrit Vani ;

 Our words for others should not be sharp and hurting but express support in soothing tone.

 Our utterances are reflections of what we are .

 Bad words are very destructive and lead us to bad karmas.

 Right words spoken at the right time and at the right place to right person can change the course of history for the mortals. Best example is GEETA. Lord Krishna set the finest example ever to prove this point when he spoke to Arjuna at the battle field.

 We have to choose our words because they essentially convey either a lie or absolute truth !

I hope I have managed to convey the power and importance of Amrit Vani.

WHAT IS MIND ( CHITA)

Tukaram maharaj realized very early in his life that control over “Mind “was the only way for the mortals to attend the final goal , Moksha. He worked like a scientist to find the exact location of Mind in human form ( Deha). He was guided by Vitthal in this karma because he dedicated every karma to the lord!. Eventually, he managed to locate the exact location of Mind and indicated so in his Kirtan . Mind is situated beyond all the organs in the human body but before the Intellect ( faculty of knowing , reasoning and understanding) component of human brain. It so right and an apt reasoning indeed in case of we mortals. This can be best explained as follow;

A person having diabetes goes for a marriage celebration dinner. His/her Mind temps him/her to have extra sweet helpings but the Intellect exercises its control and prevents the extra helpings of sweets . If the Mind beats the Intellect in us we are drawn/ sucked in dark hole of bad karmas that finally destroys us. The great saint points out the fatal mistake on part of Ravana who lost control over his Mind and kidnapped Sita . The single bad karma destroyed Lanka and Ravana .

Moral of the story for we mortals is simple ,” avoid temptations , wrong desires , jealousy, false completion , and many such pitfalls which crow our Mind on daily basis . Our Intellect must be used to control our Mind and force it and train it to good deeds.

MONEY & MORTALS

The great saint points out a hard hitting and realistic equation between money and mortals . Money & riches takes Mortals to great heights in their life time but Alas! Mortals can’t carry the money & riches when they go up ! Money has a very small and limited role in true betterment of our mind and soul.

RIGHTS OF MOTHER NATURE

The great saint made a very touching observation in one of his teachings. He says ‘A mortal who did not care green of the trees and never watered them has no right to be provided with wood to be used in his pyre!

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VITTHAL’S BLESSINGS

We humbly share the day with you all wonderful people

Today, 15^th JAN 2021, is a land mark day for me and my beloved wife Ishwari as we complete 57 years of togetherness and eternal bliss that we got as blessings from God. Looking down the winding and twisting narrow lane of memories I can only say with all the humility that it was perhaps our past karmas that allowed us and helped us to live happily till day. We both bow down at the feet of Vitthal who guided us safely through our lives till today. Because of our utter trust in Lord Vitthal we could make it thus far . Those of you who have read my book “ Uncharted Waters” would be convinced for sure about my total belief in God’s presence in our lives.

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 GOD & ELECTRICITY

There is great functional similarity between God and Electricity . We mortals can’t see them with naked eyes but you can feel their existence with a touch! The working speed of Electrical power is supposed to be 186,000miles per sec., an unimaginable mathematical figure ! God’s speed to help us is even greater if you truly surrender your mind at his feet. There are umpteen examples of such miracles experienced by saints and devotees of the Lord.

GOD IS IN EVERY HEART

A poser that comes to my mind ,” During Covid-19 lockdown for months , we mortals locked out God in his abode of Temples, Churches and Mosques” Was HE non functional then during his long confinement ? No! we mortals who believe in HIM continued our trust and faith in HIM and we survived . Is it not? Fears of covid virus got defeated because of unshakable faith in God and man’s good karma in all parts of the world to discover vaccine . God is within us and not in any man made structure for sure. Dyneshwar and Tukaram rejected a structured image of God and instead promoted the basic concept that there is God in every heart and every heart owner has to discover HIM through his/her efforts by doing good karmas and sweet words.

LOOKING INTO MIRROR ( My thoughts)

The discovery of Mirror glass has profound influence on our lives . We in fact all of us star our day with a look in the mirror in the morning and also end the day similarly . It is at that moment and in our ultimate privacy we should do personal karma audit and see that we increase our good deeds ! I am driving you all towards the point of talking to yourself through visible virtual image of self .

Part 2 was completed on the Birthday of Ishwari Karkare (Capt. Karkare’s Wife) on 21st January 2021

For More inspiration go to Part 3
https://onevorld.org/2021/01/22/the-kirtan-of-sant-tukaram-part-3-capt-arun-karkare/

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Message from the Author:
I hope and pray that these spiritual extracts will help you all to live in peace , harmony and happiness within this world with all its turmoil , daily pressures of work and rigors of life and dealings with other human beings . The Original verse is in Marathi Language. I will be re-interpriting Sant Tukaram’s verse in English – Captain Arun Karkare

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  At the outset, I would like to explain some nomenclatures used in Kiratan

“Kirtan“ is combination of two words; Kir means darkness and Tan means Human mind &Body.

  Kirtan is for removing the darkness in minds of we mortals so that we can feel and see God (if one is pure enough in his/her thoughts and deeds – Like Dyneshwar , Tukaram , Namdev , Sai baba-Shirdi or Mirabai many other saints) .

Bhajan is a devotional song carrying the message of God and is generally sung in musical ragas by a Bhajan mandali (trained group ) followed by a congregation of devotees in the place of worship. Tukaram would go from village to village and sing Vitthal Bajans to convey the message from Geeta and Dyneshwari.

Abhangs were written by Dyneshwar in simple words which carried deep knowledge for we mortals as to how to reach out to God and ultimately attend Moksha/ Nirvana( State where a Soul finally escapes Birth/Death cycle and a place at the feet of the Lord..

Dohe are the two liners written by Tukaram in very simple way in day to day used Marathi-language of his time . They carried the same message as given by Saint Dyneshawar but were far easier to read , sing and adopt in life. The skill of Tukaram was absolutely par excellance and are still in vogue and practice even after 500 years.

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 “ Sukha peksha Samadhan reshtha ahe”

Instead of worldly pleasures ,Satisfaction is of greater value. We need to be satisfied with our karma or whatever we do good.

 “ Mann Sudhi karta ,Acharan changale pahije”

For achieving purity of Mind ,our Behavior should be good.

 “Aachar va Vichar he permodharm ahe”.

Deeds & Thoughts are ultimate religions we need to adopt.

 “ Deva kade prarthana” “ Tuza Visarana Vavha Deva”

Ultimate prayer to Lord Vittahal ,” Let me not forget for ever during my life journey”

 “Chukichi teen karne”

We mortals commit mistakes due to following three reasons.

1. We all are born in the “KaliYug” the worst period of life cycle

2. Our bad deeds , mistakes , behavior etc is sum total of +/- of our past ( last life)so we are forced by those karmas to do good/bad deeds . It simply means that during present life we suffer or be happy according to our past life . Therefore, all our actions in present life should be towards doing all the good deeds that we can so that our deficit of bad past is reduced progressively and ultimately our soul attends MOKSHA.

3. The third reason being utterly selfish non -caring to others

Sant Tukaram did self retrospection on these 3 reasons and wrote his “ABHANGS “ to address them and how to get rid of it.

Finally , He said “ It is never too late to bow down before Vitthal and confess your wrongs and start a new chapter of pure goodness in life that will surely lead you to happiness and satisfaction .The great Saint was convinced that Happiness has to live with Satisfaction ( Sukh & Samadhan )

 Vitthal is the name for the lord given by the great saint Tukaram

 Dhul aapalya cheheryawer aasate purantu Manus aarasa saf karat asato.

It means Dust is on our face but the we try to clean the mirror ! It is irony and tragedy of our life. When we are wrong we pretend we are right !

 “Kalanahi nahi ha upai”

Ignorance or not knowing is a bliss because it leads you to the ultimate remedy that helps eradicate the fault or the misery etc.

 “Changla kiti he aapan sangto pun wite kiti he sangat nahi”

We only tell and share good &right about us but never tell ,regret nor confess our wrong doings. So to elevate our morals and quality of life we need to accept our shortcomings , mistakes , bad things done to others so that Vitthal will be able to forgive you and show you the way forward.

 Aapalyatelay Aavagun Samajalay pahijay

We must do retrospection and search for our faults and shortcomings and get rid of them. Then only we will be able up lift our soul to higher level to perform good karmas that will lead you to Moksha ultimate goal of every SOUL .

 Jugache Dosh mojanaypecsha aapale Dosh moja

Instead of finding and counting faults & shortcomings of others do the your self audit of the same .

 Tumhi Gelya Janma che Chitra aaha.

You are the image of the last life . The quality of your present life depends upon the karmas of last life . That is why we need to keep doing good karmas and keep improving our lot to reduce birth/ death cycles to the minimum to attend Mokha. This is the essence of life said Dyneshwarmaharaj.

 “Chuka parat naka karu”

Never ever repeat your mistakes , wrongs or bad deeds . This will only happen when you truly surrender your trust at his feet Vitthal . Don’t let HIM down again. For sure He too will never let you down

 Jeewanatil Parivartan

“Change “ is a powerful tool for betterment of our lives . Try to change things for better for yourself and people around you and the surroundings too. God has given all the faculties, abilities and disciplines to change for better life for peace and happiness.

 Paschatap

REMORSE is a great quality and a tool that helps us to build new foundation of life which in turn brings calm ,peace ,happiness and finally the satisfaction one craves for. Our remorse must be surrendered at the feet of Vittal so that He can bless you .

 Avaga Eka Rang Zala.

There are rainbow colors and they appear only in sky when sunlight is split but when we surrender to God there is only one color “You &HIM “

 Keleya Chuka Visara, Deva war Vishwas Thewa.

Forget & Forgive your and other’s mistakes and bad deeds and start fresh in your present life leaving entire future in HIS hands . Do your daily Karmas dedicating it all to God including the fruits of your work and labor.

 Prapanch he eka oze ahe.

Our daily family life with its commitments towards every member of the household

 ( Grandparents, father , mother, wife , children , then siblings plus extended relationships as well as close friends etc add continuous pressures on our mind and body too. These strains and stresses form what is called in Hindu Phylosophy “ PRAPANCH’ which means INSIDUOUS or treacherous situations that continuously distract our mind and body from peace , tranquility and happiness . The satisfaction element too is seriously

 Compromised . The remedy recommended by Tukaram maharaj is simple and doable.

“ Do all your duties and discharge your responsibilities towards all dear near ones with outcome/result or reactions as per will of the God. You only please God and not the mortals to whom you are only duty bound during your or their lifetimes! Leave the burden ,pains , frustrations etc to God and trust HIM that it will be handled by him . Do your karma towards yourself and others with smile, honesty and sincerity. That si the secret of satisfaction and happiness says Tukaram

 Durachar wadhala aahe.

Today , the crimes, rapes in society , murders , cruelty towards animals and birds , Destruction of mother Nature etc have surpassed all the acceptable limits. Why? Because Good people are standing spectators and society has become very selfish .We need to rise, react and rightly respond to stop it all to protect all creations of the God.

  Vitthal is the identity for devotees given by the great saint Tukaram

 ‘Fakt Garajecha Paisa camawa”

Earn according to your and family needs .Anything wealth in excess is destructive and non productive to the earner as it increases his /her lust , superficial needs and results in bad /wrong use of the money . It is a very well known fact that the wealthy people think they can buy out the Lord Almighty too. We waste our precious life years in wrong and selfish activities. Utilize excess wealth in charity and good work for the humanity and that is true worship of Vitthal.

 Dyneshwar and Tukaram Abhanga he satashe varsha pasun aahet.

The two liner sayings of Saints Dyneshwar and Tukaram Maharaj have survived 750 years of history . They have been guiding the society in India for avery long time and that is why Indian culture have survived 450 years of slavery under the Moguls and British ,French and Portuguese colonial powers. The sayings are time tested and hence doable and can be adopted by anyone who believes in them.

 Tatvadyan he jeevanche gudh ahe. Te Tumhi visaru naka.

Live in any part of the world but while doing your karma there ,do not forget the sayings of these two saints . Practice them in your daily life . Do not be a robot while living in this materialistic world because when you came in this world you had empty hands and when you go away you will have empty hands then too.

 Karta va Karvita ha Vitthal ahe.

There has to be a creator of this great Universe , solar system , life , water , air , light , fire and means to survive and sustain life. We need to believe in creator for sure. Some say we don’t see that creator so how can we believe ! We breathe Air to survive but we can’t see it yet we are very sure of its existence. Corona -19 can’t be seen yet the whole world is well aware of its existence. Who created the virus and for what reason ? I guess God’s and Mother Nature’s annoyance of humanity and its behavior!

 Andha vishwas naka theu

Never have or create blind faith in the name of God and also do not allow the Technology to overwhelm your faith or cloud your mind or shake your faith in time tested basic principles of simple living and high thinking to do good karmas .

 Fakt Swatala Badla

Only try and change yourself for better and do not waste precious life time to change others. !

 Story of Thomas Edison

The great scientist was travelling in a train . Another passenger sitting in the same compartment observed that Edison was reading Bible. He asked Edison “ Sir do you believe in God? Edison just smiled and continued his reading . The two exchanged their visiting cards before parting. The stranger noted from the card the identity of the great man and decided to call at his laboratory with a surprise visit . Edison received the stranger at the gate . The visitor was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the magnificent building. He asked “Sir Is this building made by you “? Edison politely replied “No”. Both walked in the sprawling laboratory crowded with curious and intricate equipments of the experiments being done by the great scientist . The stranger once again quarried “Sir Is the laboratory yours? Edison replied” No”. By now the visitor was totally perplexed with the replies of Edison and He said “ There has to be a builder and an owner of this vast set up! Edison certainly “ God Almighty is the owner of all this and I am a temporary worker scientist entrusted with research work for the benefit of humanity at large. ! The stranger went away with full understanding as to Why Edison was reading the book of God in his spare time while travelling on the train.

 Story of Padamashri –Vikram Sarabhai

( Well honored & renowned Scientist of India )

Viram Sarabhai used to read “Geeta “ every morning, during sunrise, by sitting on the banks of the river near his place of work. One day a stranger( a tech savvy young man ) walked past the great man and quipped “ Hi ! Man, forget Geeta it is science & technology that runs our lives “. Do not waste your precious time in this book knowledge . Viram ji looked at him said “ I believe in Geeta “’ . The stranger just smiled and went away and stood at a short distance in total disbelief as he saw a special car approaching under police escort . The car stopped in front of Vikram Sarabhai . A guard came saluted the scientist and ceremoniously took the Geeta from Vikramji and wrapped it in a red cloth and the guard put it in the car . The car under police escort drove away towards the residence of the great scientist. The stranger followed the car on his bike but he also noticed that Vikramji walking slowly back towards his home. The car stopped at the big sprawling bungalow (official residence) of Vikram Sarabhai . The Geeta was taken inside with great reverence by a Pandit. The stranger waited for the man slowly walking towards the same house. Now the stranger was well aware that the man he saw on the river bank was VS himself . He was so overwhelmed that he got of his motorcycle and fell at the feet of VS and said “ Sir I am sorry for my act “. The saintly scientist simply said “ Geeta is ultimate knowledge “ I am doing my karma only .

Dyneshwar and Tukarm were fully convinced through their prayers that we mortals are what our parent were . The good karmas of our past Janama( past life)allows us to choose a good womb which in turn allows us to live our present life in a good way. The parents of Dyneshwar were very good people in all walks of life but suffered at the hands of ignorant and bad society .Yet they gave birth to four children( Neevrithinath, Dyneshwar , Sopan and Mukta bai) who eventually became most worshipped saints of their times and their still influence us and help better our spiritual and emotional state. It means parents have to be pure in mind and deeds to give births to good human beings. Parents can bring and raise Ram or Ravan according to their own karmas .

GOODNESS AS UNDERSTOOD & DEFINED BY DYNESHWAR AND TUKARAM

The Hindi word ‘HEETH’ means goodness. The two great saints defined it as follows,

“Doing selfless work for the Humanity , Society , Country and preservation of Mother nature is defined as Heeth”

KARMA & ITS FRUITS

Dyneshwar and Tukaram fully understood and followed Lord Krishna’s message that is “Do your Karma and leave the fruits & final result in the hands of God. We may do a karma ( deed)with good intensions but result may not be good but it may happen so that we may do a bad karma ( deed)and result may be unexpectedly good!

 Following stories will perhaps convince you as to how true the saying is!

Story No. 1

A beggar stood on the pavement under a multistoried building and kept shouting for some alms, looking upwards towards the high-rise floor flats. A lady from 3^rd floor threw Rs 10 coin towards him altering him well in advance to catch it. She was wanting give some money to the needy person. ( a good deed indeed)but what happened next shocked her. The beggar grossly misjudged the fall of the coin and hurt his eye so badly that he lost his eyesight!

The moral of the story is clear . Karma was good and well intended but the result was totally unexpected and perhaps unwarranted too. God’ will was that beggar was due to lose his eye sight as per his destiny .

Story No. 2

A man was sitting in a public garden and was eating an apple . A beggar came and stood near him and asked for some food. The man was upset at the beggar’s presence at that time. In sheer anger he threw the half eaten apple at the beggar’s face but apparently beggar was fully alert to catch it ! He caught the apple like an expert cricket fielder and walked way happily munching the fruit.

 The moral of the story is again very clear . Karma was bad and ill intended but the result was totally unexpected but good too. God’ will was that hungry beggar was due to get that half eaten apple as his share as per his destiny .

Story No. 3

A frail and weak looking man begged for some money to a stranger waiting at the bus stand .The stranger took pity and gave the Rs 50/- and said “ Go and have some snacks .” The man thanked him but then what happened shook the stranger completely. The beggar was actually an alcoholic who simply walked inside the near- by pub for a drink!

By now ,the moral of the story must be very clear to you.. Karma was good and well intended but the result was totally unexpected and very bad too. God’ will was that hungry beggar will fall victim to his bad habit as per his destiny .

In short we all should do our karmas and leave the final result ( fruit) to GOD only.

  Power of the word “VITTHAL”

Believe it or not , it is true that there is an immense strength in this beautiful word “VITTHAL . It was felt by and eventually proven by Saint Dyneshwar 700 years, and similarly experienced by Tukaram ,Namdev and Eknath maharaj. But very recently , a group of doctors who are great followers of ‘Vitthal tried a novel experiment on their patients ( 10 nos )while treating them for high BP ailment. They divided them in two groups of ( 5 nos)and asked one group to recite the word ‘VIITHAL’ for 10 minutes every morning for a week during their meditation period and the other group was told to do their meditation in normal fashion without reciting the word . The doctors kept the records of BP readings of all the patients who were part of the experiment .

 The comparison of BP records astonished the doctors! Those who recited had a 25% drop in their BP .The experiment was repeated on the other group who had not recited and the result was almost the same! Just to add to this fact , is another classical example ;every year on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi thousands of Warkaries of different age groups from 10 yrs to 80 yrs ( Devotees of Viithal)walk down a distance of 200kms doing Pandharpur Yatra simply chanting “ Jai hari Vitthal “ The Yatra is supported by the Government of Mahrashtra for supply of food , water and medical aid etc. The sheer power of the word “ Vitthal “carries the devotees to their destination ‘Vitthal mandir at Pandharpur. The moral of this story is that faith can move mountains.

OBLIGATIONS & DUTIES OF CHILDREN TOWARDS THEIR PARENTS.

Dyneshwar and Tukarm are two great saints who enlightened the humanity about the importance of obligations and duties of children towards their parents. Dyneshwar Maharaj was totally convinced that our souls are born to different parents according to our karmas of the past life . With +/- ratio of Good and Bad Karmas we get our present life parents. And it is here that we must all understand our obligations and duties towards our parents( Janmadatas).

In today’s world ,it is absolutely imperative for all children to follow the great saint’s message, “Matru dev Bhav, Pitrudevdev bhav”. We are what our parents are or were but children’s responsibilities and role towards parents remain unchanged. We need to accept their good karmas and reject their bad karmas . Following story may help to clarify the point of view being expressed here;

A good natured but foul mouthed administrative officer in government service had a bad habit of very frequently using the word “Haramkhor”( Bastard) while generally addressing his staff and juniors. His only son ( 5yrs ) got used to hearing this word and stared using it freely while he used to play with his friends. One day the child was playing a game with his friends in which he was posing as a conductor /ticketchecker of Bus. “ those Haramkhors who want to get down at Andheri stop ,Be ready . Then again he said “ those Harmkhors who do not have tickets will be fined Rs 200/- “ Thus this went on for awhile and the boy’s father who was hearing got up in disgust and shouted “ Stop using this bad word “ The boy sheepishly replied Papa” I thought every other person must be addressed so as I have heard you using this word so frequently!We need to reject bad from parents and retain good for ever during our life time. It is obvious therefore ,that if we have more +,positive and good in us it is due to our parent’s DNA.

DEFINITION OF BEING EDUCATED

Dyneshwar and Tukaram defined what is the true meaning of “Being educated”. Those who do good karmas for the Society, Humanity , Country and Mother nature and care for flora, fauna and all types of life created by God are truly educated.

BLOOD has been analyzed, classified and stored safely for transfusion but I wonder if it will be ever produced in the laboratory by Man ! Because Blood is life and Life is God –Vitthal

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More About The Author:
Capt. Arun Karkare, was honored with VARUNA AWARDS. The National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central) Committee institutes its highest national award to recognize and honor persons for their sustained and outstanding contribution to the Indian Maritime Sector.

Also Read Part 2:
https://onevorld.org/2021/01/13/the-kirtan-of-sant-tukaram-part-2-capt-arun-karkare/

For More Spiritual posts visit our FaceBook page Mystic Trail https://www.facebook.com/mystic.trail

Our YouTube Channel on Planet Earth: OneVorld
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I will come back again and again…if need be, a trillion times, as long as I know that one stray brother is left behind.

– Yogananda Paramhansa

Proud moment for his Devotees worldwide. The Indian Ministry of Culture had posted on his 128th birth anniversary on 05/01/2021 a commemorative poster of Paramhansa Yogananda on it’s official handle on instagram See the image below.

What is the recommended dose and schedule?
Do you need to take it even if you had Corona?
How many days after getting vaccine, would I develop protection?
How long will the vaccine provide immunity?
When is the Corona vaccine likely to be available in India?

These and many more questions answered.

1. What is the recommended dose and schedule?
   Two doses given 21 days or 28 days apart depending on vaccine used.
2. What if I take only one dose?
   One dose will give you only partial protection of maybe 60-80% and will not last long enough. For complete protection you must take two doses at recommended intervals.
3. What if I forget to take the second dose? Should I take the first again?
   Just take the second dose at the earliest. No need to repeat the first dose.
4. Are both doses same?
   In most of the vaccines it will be the same dose given twice. However, Sputnik- V vaccine has both doses as different vector viruses, so will be marked as dose 1 and 2. Oxford-AZ vaccine may also come out with first dose as half dose.
5. Do you need to take it even if you had Corona? After how many days of getting cured?
   Yes. But that will be last in the priority list. You can let others take who probably need more than you. You might need it earlier if you did not develop an antibody response.
6. Can it be administered to an individual who has received plasma as treatment for Covid?
   The donor plasma contains anti Covid-19 antibodies and may suppress the immune response to the vaccine. As it is, those who have recovered from Covid-19 may not need the vaccine in the early phases.
7. Can a pregnant lady or a lactating mother take the vaccine?
   No company has yet tested the vaccine in pregnancy. CDC has advised against giving the vaccine to pregnant and lactating mothers. UK authorities have advised women not to get pregnant for two months after the shot. Since the vaccines available till now are not live vaccines, it should not cause any problem if given inadvertently.
8. Can a diabetic patient take the vaccine?
   Yes, in fact diabetes has been established as a risk factor for severe disease and all diabetic patients must get vaccinated on priority.
9. If offered a choice of vaccines, which one should I take?
   All vaccines are offering equal efficacy although local reactions may be different. Take whatever available. Think positive that at least you are being offered a vaccine ahead of others. Indian manufactured vaccines will be more suitable for our population as they are cheaper and can be kept at 2-8 degree Celsius. The mRNA vaccines require a storing temp of -70 (Pfizer) and -20 (Moderna) which may be difficult to maintain in summer months.
10. How many days after getting vaccine, would I develop protection?
    It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
11. How long will the vaccine provide immunity?
    It is a new virus, new technology vaccine, so we don’t know. After follow-ups of these vaccinated population and their antibodies for a couple of years, we would be wiser. The need for boosters and when will they be required, will be decided after these follow ups and mathematical modelling.
12. Children of what age can be vaccinated? Is the dose same as adults or lesser dose to be given?
    Trials done till now have been for adults above 18 only. Now trials for children above 12 have started. Doses will be decided only after trials are done on younger children and infants.
13. Can it be given to immunocompromised individuals?
    The mRNA vaccine and inactivated vaccines are safe. AZ and Sputnik-V adenovirus vector vaccines are also safe as they are nonreplicating viral vector vaccines. Live vaccines and replicating viral vector vaccines will have to be avoided.
14. What are the side effects expected?
    The side effects reported by the trial population are mostly mild Covid like symptoms like some fever and fatigue. Local injection site pain and induration is also reported. Reports of transverse myelitis and facial palsy have not been found to be related to the vaccine. Generally, all vaccines are safe. Although these vaccines have been made in record time, the testing methodology and procedures have not been compromised.
15. I am allergic to egg. Can I take the vaccine?
    Egg cell lines are not used for production of these vaccines. They can be taken safely even if you are allergic to egg.
16. I heard that it has pig or monkey products? I am a pure Vegetarian.
    The new vaccines manufactured these days are devoid of any such products.
17. In the past vaccines have been linked to Autism. What about these?
    In 1985 there was a paper linking MMR with autism. Millions of children followed up after that have conclusively proven that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. All vaccines are extremely safe with minimal temporary side effects.
18. There are messages going around that mRNA from vaccine gets incorporated into the human genome and alter our genetic structure. Is that true?
    mRNA vaccine carries a message to the cell to produce spike protein which induces antibody production. It does what it is directed to do. Till date there have been no adverse events reported.
19. What is the interaction of alcohol and Covid vaccine?
    Excessive alcohol can reduce the immune responses to vaccines. Since Russians are known for heavy drinking, their government has advised to avoid drinking two weeks prior to first dose and 6 weeks after the second dose. The Sputnik vaccine is given as two doses 21 days apart. Occasional glass of wine or beer will not interfere with the immune response.
20. Soon the virus will mutate and we will need another vaccine. Should we not wait?
    Till now the virus has not shown tendency to mutate like the Flu virus. Moreover, the vaccines being developed have taken this into consideration and should still work.
21. What if I do not want to take the vaccine? Will it be made mandatory?
    In majority of countries, it will not be mandatory. You have to choose between the new viral disease with no specific treatment and a new vaccine. Choice is yours. As initially there will be a huge demand supply gap, by not taking a vaccine you can help others.
22. Can I roam around without a mask once I am vaccinated?
    No, not as of now. One may do so only when the majority of the population has either got the disease or received the vaccine. This means the population has developed herd immunity.
23. Are newer and better Covid vaccines expected in near future?
    As of December 2020, more than 250 vaccines are under trial in different phases. A lot of research is underway to develop newer delivery methods also. Nasal spray vaccine is probably the most promising. A multi dose nasal spray delivery device can be very convenient and economical. It will produce local IgA antibodies and block the virus at entry itself. It will reduce nasal colonisation and thus prevent transmission of disease also. Unfortunately, since it will be a live vaccine, it will need maximum and most stringent trials and thus will take longest time to hit the market. Covid-19 is still a new disease and we are still learning. The facts mentioned above are as of 14 December 2020. Please re-check the facts before taking a Covid vaccine shot.

For specific questions about India and much much more, go to the source below

https://wholisticwellnessspace.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/frequently-asked-questions-on-covid-vaccines/

Life “is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” So said Shakespeare in Macbeth, a tragedy of epic proportion where the eponymous hero fell because of only one tragic flaw: “Vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself.”  Covid19 brought the “sound and fury, signifying nothing” part of Macbeth like a thunderbolt rolled onto an unsuspecting mankind. And Hamartia, or the tragic flaw, that Shakespeare’s tragic heroes had, has its echo in present times too. Covid19 lays bare our fault lines and exposes our flaws like never before. It has, in fact, come as a great teacher to mankind – perhaps because the ‘kind’ in “man” had shrunk to a miniscule level. It has given us a huge nudge to readjust our priorities that were slinking to abominable levels of putrid materialism.  Hmm…..looked closely, it also has been a period of wish-fulfillment, the collective wishes of entire mankind, or rather man-unkind, witnessing fruition of shared desires in a way unparalleled.

To further explain my points, let me take the first premise of collective wish fulfillment. Was the entire human race not clamoring for clearer skies, cleaner air and sparkling water? Millions of dollars were being spent on hosting international meets that often ended up revealing more dissensions than agreements. Each country blamed the other for being a greater polluter, never wanting to clean its own Augean stables. Year after year, there were foreboding studies that announced imminent doom of the planet if countries did not clean up the environmental mess. Countries met, they bickered and blamed each other, and dispersed.

“Monday morning blues” was the litany of all working people. I remember beginning to feel the blues just when Sunday dawned. Why can’t weekends be longer, was the refrain echoed in all corners of the world – languages varied, refrain the same.  “Let all days be Sunday,” said the mighty voice. And we all huddled home every day, day after day. Beautiful day-planners lying on the desk were an investment most futile!!

Don’t blame any virus or any government for the pandemic…..all wishes are coming true. Is it self-fulfilling prophesy, or mere Ignis Fatuus!  Is it a passing phase, or the new world order is here to stay. Only time will tell.

One thing is for sure. The virus is not atemporal. It may either gradually die a natural death after peaking, or human intervention will see it rendered less menacing. Whatever it may be, but it surely will have taught us the much-needed and long-forgotten basic lessons before it exits.

First and foremost, Covid19 has added the fundamental “Pause” button to human race – race, both as noun and verb – the former defining the species, and the latter their feverish scurrying forth. I feel it has made us stop as the traffic light gradually turns red, so that we have time to reflect until it turns green and hence signal us to recalibrate our speed and direction.  We were all racing from morning until night, 24X7, in pursuit of something that was always outside our grasp.  Were we not all running away from life, looking for a meaning in a place it did not exist.  And now, staying within the confines of our homes we are learning to live with ourselves. Most friends and family I have spoken to have expressed how little we actually need in life and yet we carry the heaviest baggage. Our priorities had gone misplaced and it is time to set them right.  

What is of utmost importance is human life. This lesson, unfortunately, a deadly virus had to come and teach us. It has showed us that we need to value people and use things when we had been doing the reverse – Valuing things and using people. Time for some reverse-engineering. Time to smell the coffee!

People in lock-downs, living away from families learnt the value of a family, and those locked with their families are learning to share, care, and the biggest of all, to let-go. Sharing limited home space has strained many a family, for the virus leaves no option of quietly slipping away from home in case of any friction.  And therein lies the lesson of developing tolerance. “Love me when I deserve the least because that is when I need the most,” my friend’s recalcitrant teenager told his mother. Mighty lesson that is! Equally relevant for the youngster and his mother.

“It would seem resourceful, perhaps wise, to use suffering as a vehicle of transformation that allows us to open ourselves with compassion to those who suffer as we do, or even more than we do”, said Matthieu Ricard in his book Happiness. Roman philosopher Seneca once said that “Suffering may hurt, but it is not an evil.” Schopenhauer, the German philosopher may have had similar belief when he said that suffering is the purifying process through which alone, in most cases, a person is consecrated.  Sure enough, no one wants suffering and all human endeavor is towards forswearing it. However, it can be argued that while suffering by its very nature is abhorrent but when unable to avoid, we can use it to learn and to change.

While we wait with bated breath for this Covid19 to pass, we can only forget the lessons it continues to teach us – both, at the physical level and at a deeper existential, philosophical level, at our own peril.  In the latter half of this century when it is well behind us, and human race has the wisdom of hindsight, Covid19 may seem to be the one game-changer humankind desperately needed for course correction.

I started writing this piece when we were, what is now known as the middle of Covid, or the first phas (It may be known differently sometime down the line) . As we are a cat’s whisker away from getting the vaccine, these disembodied times however seem  here to stay for a while. I’m quite inclined to close with Hafiz : “I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being!” So instead of taking a world trip, go inside yourself and find the true essence. Nice things, beautiful scenic places, gourmet food and all the pompous pursuits of men are a happy place to be in, but the joy they provide is never ever-lasting. It is transitory. The value of things is only the value we ascribe to them. As Vivekananda said: “Things are dead in themselves. We breathe life into them, and then we either run after them or run away from them.”

Covid-19 has provided a big insight into what really matters in the race we call Life. The Pause-button ought to make us reflect on where we were headed, and which direction we need to take. Almost a year into the pandemic, the self-importance of man dissolves in laughter. Life will never be easy. It will always be hard, but we can choose our hard wisely. Look to the light within, for the more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.

Embankments:
They may be defined as earthen banks extending generally parallel to the river channel and designed to protect the area behind them from overflow by flood water. The choice, the location the alignment, the type, the shape, and the size of the embankment depend upon the flood, the protected area, the economics, and the after effect of such protective structures. There are three major types of Embankments:

Marginal Embankment: They are constructed along both sides of a river upstream of a barrage or weir at a short distance from the margin.
Approach Embankment: It is the embankment that is provided to approach the barrage or weir from the high river edges on the both sides.
Retired Embankment: They are constructed at a distance from the river edge behind the existing embankment as a second line of defense. When Retired Embankments are constructed along both sides on high ground, sufficiently away from the river bank, more or less straight and little away from river channel to minimize the risk, they are sometimes called Flood Embankments. This is a very effective system and a neat solution to Flood Control where conventional methods of providing closer embankments are not effective. The following is an excerpt from our Book,

Irrigation Practice & Design Vol I by K. B. Khushalani & Manohar Khushalani (Published by Oxford & IBH and sponsored by National Book Trust)

12-6. System of Retiring Embankments. The retiring emban^kments are a via media between no embankments and very close embankments. They are constructed at a distance from the river.

The advantages of the retiring embankments are:

(i) They cause lesser interference with the natural operation of silt deposited by the river over the country and raising its level.

(ii) They enable the river flood to be spread over more area, thus creating an artificial storage. This storage is not the storage in the ordinary sense but storage due to the detention of Water for some period. This reservoir capacity enables the river to maintain a fair irrigating level for a longer time, and hence can be utilised in giving water to inundation canals.

(iii) By providing a wider waterway they enable the high flood water level to be lower than would be the case with closer banks and thus, they reduce chances of erosion of fertile land and throwing up of sterile sand banks.

 (iv) The banks being away from the river are not so frequently attacked as would be the banks near the river edge.

(v) The longer life thus bestowed on the embankments permits of their being constructed slowly and carefully and much in advance of time when they will be required to face the flood. Enough opportunity is thus given to these embankments for settlement and consolidation.

(vi) The longer life, on account of creating the sense of security, which is essential for progress and prosperity, provides greater permanence to the irrigation investments.

The disadvantages of the retiring embankments are:

(i) Increased cost, as they are to be sometimes constructed on lower ground. The cost is more in the beginning, but if frequent damages to the closer banks are taken into account the ultimate cost will be less.

(ii) They afford protection to lesser area than do the closer banks.

The area between the river and the embankments will grow some inundation crops after floods or even forests can be grown on them. Thus the loss can be reduced.

(iii) They require longer length of open canal heads which get silted. This is a serious objection and has to be tolerated in view of so many advantages and can be remedied by constructing an escape upstream of the head regulator to scour out the silt.

(iv) On account of their being constructed on lower grounds they are risky. The land generally slopes away from the river and as the banks are to be constructed further away their height will be great. A bank of higher height is naturally prone to be more dangerous than a bank of smaller height. Though this is true, water could be led in by the side of a bank for soaking: As the bank is on a lower ground this should be possible.

All the flood control methods are not to be considered as separate solutions of flood problems; often two or more of them would be necessary to tackle a particular stream. Where it is, found that combination is eventually the correct solution, the extent to which the various components should be used, can be determined by striking an economical mean

Retiring Embankment has been used in India For eg. Mr. M . Zonneveld, an expert from Holland after rigorous survey in Sundarban put forwarded the suggestion of building ‘retiring’ embankment at considerable distance from from the existing one¹. I quote “The embankment should be built as far away from the main river as possible to minimize the impact of the dashing waves. This proposal can be introduced in the Ghoramara Mouza under Sagar Island block now facing severe erosional threat where land is consistently being withered away by strong fluvial erosion”.

Retired Embankments have also been used extensively in Farakka Barrage² and in 1960 it was provided on the 220 Km Brahmaputra Right Bank Embankment (BRE)³,

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¹  https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/155888/18/18_concluding%20remarks.pdf

²  http://ir.nbu.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/831/13/13%20CHAPTER%206.pdf

³  https://ewsdata.rightsindevelopment.org/files/documents/34/WB-P149734_wP3HlM2.pdf

Delhi: November 2011. Nepal with a geographical area of 1,47,480 sq km has been bestowed with an abundance of water resources in the form of glaciers, snow pack, ground water and river network which” contribute 200 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) as surface runoff annually to the river basin system. The steep topography and high run-off offer opportunities of generating vast hydropower of the order of 83,000 MW, out of which 44,600 MW has been assessed as being technically feasible. At present, a total installed capacity of all the hydropower plants in Nepal is just over 600 MW that has been developed so far for internal consumption, due to limited financial resources of Nepal. On the other hand, India is short of around 70,000 MW of peaking power for which hydropower is the best option. Therefore, India can look forward to join hands with Nepal in harnessing the hydropower potential and after fulfilling all Nepal’s internal needs avail surplus hydropower from Nepal to meet its own power demand besides augmentation of river flows in non-monsoon period and considerable flood control benefits in monsoon season.

India has concluded several water and power sharing treaties with Nepal the treaties of Sarada (1920), Kosi (1954) and Gandak (1959) are the early examples. Other examples of water sharing is the ‘Mahakali Integrated Treaty (1996) for the integrated development of Mahakali River including the Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage and Pancheshwar Project. The DPR of the Pancheshwor project was agreed to be prepared within six months of the agreement made, but it has not yet been finalised. However one is told that major progress has been achieved, as the field investigations required for preparation of DPR are completed (except for some confirmatory tests). But mutually acceptable DPR could not be finalized due to differences on following contentious issues:

 Apportionment of project (capital) cost

 Stage based development

 Water availability & existing consumptive uses downstream of the Pancheshwar Dam

 Power benefits

 Re-regulating structure

There is a realisation now in India that one of the reasons for the stalemate in finalization of the DPR of Pancheshwar Project for the last five years, is the rigid position taken by technical experts on location of the regulating structure, stage based development and sharing of the extra cost chargeable to Irrigation. However, in the process, valuable time and the peaking power (over 10,800 Gwh annually) is being lost by delaying the decision; apart from perpetual flood losses and damage faced by Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar every year during monsoon.

Apart from the fact that there has been no progress at technical level, due to law and order problem and Maoist agitation in Nepal for the last three years, any resolution on the above contentious issues appears to be difficult as the present joint mechanism(s) in vogue are not fully empowered to take independent decisions. A decision in this regards is imperative at the government level appropriately from both sides. A new approach has to be evolved to resolve these issues.

Ministry of Water Resources, Government of Nepal, brought out “Hydro Power Development Policy- 2001”. Its emphasis is on Private Sector participation in the development of hydropower taking into account internal consumption and export possibility.

Since the present atmosphere has become extremely vitiated, our study will examine whether this could perhaps be a key to a fresh approach on the matter. The private sector could be brought in, which could perhaps make Nepal more comfortable. Another approach that could be examined would be a tripartite negotiation by involving Bangladesh. Though the one valid objection to this approach is that tripartite negotiations invariably take longer and are often inconclusive. But, maybe, that could make Nepal more comfortable and less apprehensive in dealing with a larger neighbour. The other approach could be to acceding to Nepal’s demands, but perhaps it is too late for that approach. (October 2011)

Update (2017) :
Matters changed with a new Government at the center.

A revised second detailed project report for the multi-purpose ^​*​Pancheshwar dam project had finally been sent to the development authority, which was forwarded to the Indian and Nepalese governments for clearancehttps://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/revised-dpr-for-pancheshwar-dam-sent-to-project-development-authority-118090400608_1.html.

The approval of the two stakeholder countries will pave the way for the works to start on the long-awaited project which is expected to fulfill power andirrigation requirements for both countries.

A fresh,updated version of the second DPR, prepared by WAPCOS, was sent last month to Pancheshwar development authority (PDA) which will now forward it to the Indian and Nepalese governments for approval, ” a WAPCOS official at Pancheshwar site said Tuesday.

India and Nepal are the two stakeholders in the ambitious project and WAPCOS is the Indian company entrusted with the task of preparing the DPR.

The fresh DPR is the revised version of the second report sent to the PDA in June, 2017, about which both countries had some reservations.

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1. ^​*​
   https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/revised-dpr-for-pancheshwar-dam-sent-to-project-development-authority-118090400608_1.html

Will the next decade be marked by confrontation over water and hydro energy, or will it be known for cooperation over sharing the natural resources? This is the second part of my series on India’s riparian relations with it’s neighbours
– Manohar Khushalani

Independent India’s first treaty with Communist China was marked by the 1954 Panchsheel Trade Agreement. This was the first official document signed with Mao’s China by a third party recognising Tibet as a region of the People’s Republic of China after the People’s Liberation Army’s invasion of Tibet in 1949. With this, India set its diplomatic relations with China on a weak footing, squandering the high ground of knowledge on the historic status of Tibet inherited from the British Empire.

China is the only neighbour, with whom India has geographically shared water resources, but there is no water sharing treaty so far. There seemed to be a great degree of timidity in this matter in the past, but it is changing now. The present government is now asserting itself as it holds national interest above everything else. The first written agreement pertaining to water is an MOU which the water resource ministries of the two countries have signed about provision of Hydrological Information of the Sutlej / Langqen Zangbo River in Flood Season by China to India. The MOU envisages provision of hydrological information in respect of the Sutlej / Langqen Zangbo River in flood season for flood control and disaster mitigation in downstream areas. The arrangement entailed building of a hydrological station by the Chinese side on the Sutlej / Langqen Zangbo River before the flood season of year 2006 and provision of hydrological information to the Indian side beginning the flood season of year 2006. The Chinese side was to bear the cost for setting up of the hydrological station and the Indian side would bear the cost for provision of the hydrological information and the operation of the hydrological station. The detailed implementation plan was to be finalised between the two sides.

According to the MOU, the Chinese side will provide information on any abnormal rise/fall in the water level/discharge and other information, which may lead to sudden floods on the basis of existing monitoring and data collection facilities on real time basis. Both sides will continue to discuss the possibility of providing hydrological information during flood season by China to India in respect of two more rivers – Parlung Zangbo¹ and Lohit /Zayu Qu.

One recalls some time back, a program on BBC wherein Chinese army was shown trying to drain out a dam created by an earthquake by directly using artillery fire. On the flip side it is rumoured that China appears to be perfecting a procedure of creating instant dams by setting up a series of explosion and triggering a man made landslide. This will help it to divert large quantities of river water at short notice. Apparently some officials from Nathpa Jhakri project were allowed, after much reluctance, to visit China, where they have physically seen a lake on Parechu River that the Chinese claim was created by natural landslides.

There is not much reliable information on the present or proposed water-related developments and projects in the Tibet region. In the last few years, some arrangements were agreed upon on receiving information on glacial lake outbursts in the upper regions of the rivers that flow into India from the Tibet region of China, but information on the manner of its implementation, its comprehensiveness and the effectiveness thereof are not available.

In 2002, the Government of India had entered into an MOU with China for sharing of hydrological information on Yaluzangbo²/ Brahmaputra river in flood season by China to India. In accordance with the provisions contained in the MOU, the Chinese side was providing hydrological information (Water level, discharge and rainfall) in respect of three stations, namely Nugesha, Yangcun and Nuxia located on river Yarlungzangbo/ Brahmaputra from 1^st June to 15^th October every year. The requisite data up to the year 2004 was received and the same was utilised in formulation of flood forecasts by Central Water Commission.

India and China have now signed the implementation agreement for operationalising the MoU on sharing flood-related hydrological data for Brahmaputra which was renewed during Pranab Mukherjee’s, the then External Affairs Minister, visit to China in 2008. Under the agreement, China will continue providing flood-related data of its side of Brahmaputra during June 1-October 15 period each year till 2012. After 2012, both countries will have to renew their MoU and finalise a fresh implementation agreement. During this time window every year, the Chinese side will provide these hydrological data from three identified hydrological stations twice a day to India to help better manage floods.

For decades it is known that a great possibility of harnessing significant extent of hydropower exists at the giant U bend between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra. How this matter is being pursued is not known. It is reported³ that Chinese engineers had informed the Chinese Academy of Sciences that the waters of the upper Brahmaputra could be diverted into the arid northwestern region and Gobi desert using nuclear explosives. Publically this has been denied by the Chinese Government, as well as experts. At the Kathmandu Workshop of Strategic Foresight Group in August 2009 on ‘Water Security in the Himalayan Region’, which was attended by leading hydrologists from the Basin countries, the Chinese scientists argued that it was not feasible for China to undertake such a diversion⁴. In a subsequent meeting of the scientists at Dhaka, 25 leading experts from the Basin countries issued a ‘Dhaka Declaration’ on Water Security⁵ calling for exchange of information in low flow period, and other means of collaboration.

It has also been mentioned by some that the possibility of diverting from Yarlungzangpo to the upper Arun Kosi or Gandaki have also been mooted. No detailed or reliable information on these developments are available. However, the idea of diverting water from the South to the north is not new in China. The Grand Canal is, basically, more than a thousand years old. At the World Water Congress held in New Delhi in November 2005 China’s Vice-minister of Water resources Dr. Jiao Yong highlighted their problem of uneven distribution of water resources. He reiterated that the government was planning and constructing the South to North Water Diversion project, which can ultimately relieve water shortage in north China and northwest areas. No specific details or the final scope were made available.

The Indian government has been relaying its concern to Beijing since 2006 on Chinese reports that China intended to dam rivers like Yarlung Tsangpo / Brahmaputra and divert its waters to its arid north-east. Although China officially denied such an intention, the evidence against such a denial continues to mount. Indian officials have said the reports continued to abound inside China, including a proposed construction time table which was to have begun in 2009. Recent reports indicate that Chinese engineers are reportedly lobbying Beijing to ignore Indian concerns and dam the upper Brahmaputra in Tibet⁶ with what they envisage as the world’s biggest hydroelectric project and several smaller dams and tunnels. Tibetan researcher Tashi Tsering at the University of British Columbia, posted online a map of potential sites reportedly sourced from Chinese government website. China is likely to build a 38,000 MW power station near Motua wrote Tsering. He told Hindustan Times over email that: “China is likely to hold back water when it’s most needed in India, during spring, and release more during the monsoon.” Zhang Boting, an official of the China Society for Hydropower Engineering, backing a 38,000 MW Motuo dam proposal to generate renewable energy equivalent to the oil and gas in the South China Sea. Zhang said the dam research has been carried out but plans are not yet finalised⁷.

 

Any major storage or run-of-the-river projects for hydropower or navigation purposes planned in the Brahmaputra within China need not create difficulties for India, so long as the re-regulated flows from the power houses are returned to the river. On the other hand, consumptive uses or long distance transfer of waters outside the Basin to, say, the arid north China will hurt the interests of India and also Bangladesh.

What is making India think twice about Tibet now are geopolitical issues — how India and its South Asian neighbours might be adversely affected by what Beijing plans in Tibet. China’s development schemes for the Tibetan Plateau include large-scale mining, clear-fell deforestation, infrastructure- and road-building and firming up a burgeoning tourism industry⁸.

Meanwhile, Indians living on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra have been devastated by death and destruction as the river changes its course every season and is affected by floods due to heavy siltation caused by the ruthless deforestation of Tibet. Environmentalists fear even more devastation and drought if China implements its plans to divert a part of the Brahmaputra.

Obviously there is a need for Indian leadership to engage the Chinese. A simple denial from Chinese polity or Water Resources experts would not guarantee a safe future. Perhaps an iron tight international riparian treaty similar to the Indus Water treaty would go a long way in diffusing possibility of future conflict. Since India has been unsuccessful so far would a third party intervention from the UN help? A word of caution however, China was among the only three countries that voted in the UN General Assembly in 1997 against the Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Water Courses⁹.

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¹  Parlung Zangbo River is a major tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo

²  Due to lack of standardization, the Chinese equivalent of the Brahmaputra River is spelt in different texts in various phonetically similar sounding names such as; Yaluzangbo,Yarlungzangbo, Yarlung Zangpo, Yarlung Tsangpo, all the spellings have been used deliberately to be in consonance with the current usages.

³  Scientific American, June 1996

⁴ http://asiasecurity.macfound.org/images/uploads/news_attachments/Kathmandu_Workshop_Report.pdf [accessed March 18, 2010]

⁵  The New Nation, 17th January 2010 [ available at http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/01/17/news0350.htm [accessed on March 20, 2010]]

⁶  Reshma Patil report from Beijing in Hindustan Times, 26^th May 2010

⁷  The Guardian, 25^th May 2010

⁸  Hindustan Times, November 14, 2006

⁹  The other two were Burundi and Turkey

BOE Steps Up Negative Rates Work as Economic Threats Mount

OMG! Is this really true? Does what we have heard from the grapevine mean that, if you are in England, forget about getting Interest on your deposit, you might have to pay money to deposit money.

According to Bloomberg, the Bank of England gave the clearest signal yet, that it may consider cutting interest rates below zero for the first time in its history as the economy faces a surge in coronavirus infections and the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

With multiple threats to the outlook looming, the BOE will begin “structured engagement” with U.K. bank regulators on how it might implement negative rates. Governor Andrew Bailey said last month the policy has become part of the central bank’s toolkit.

The comments in the minutes of Thursday’s policy decision prompted money market traders to bet that the next 10 basis points of easing will come in February, with another cut of the same magnitude to follow after the summer. The pound weakened, and was trading down 0.7% at $1.2876 at 1:36 p.m. on 17th September in London

Financial Express adds: The prospect of negative rates has typically met a cool response among policymakers who are mindful of the negative side-effects of the move in other parts of the world. But the latest statement offered a reminder that more quantitative easing, or bond buying, is not the only move left open to the BoE.

Investors are xpecting heightened volatility in the pound until November, when time runs out for Brussels and London to reach an agreement on trade before the UK drops out of the EU’s single market and customs union at the end of the year. If Britain leaves the trade bloc without an agreement, analysts said the central bank will probably cut its key rate to combat a potential economic shock.

https://www.ft.com/content/1124fbd1-0142-4309-ada8-e1563e64c50d

https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/boe-steps-up-talks-on-negative-rates-amid-uncertain-outlook

This ESSAYS on the Concept of a “RIGHT TO LIVE” by Marion Harroff–Tavel

In memory of Yougindra Khushalani

Just as peace is not simply the absence of war, but rather a dynamic process of co-operation among peoples, life is not simply the antithesis of death, but rather a period of time during which every human being should be able to develop fully in dignity and in enjoyment of the respect of others. This was the profound conviction, imbued with humanity and solidarity with the most vulnerable among us, that inspired Yougindra Khushalani, an eminent Indian lawyer and Vice President of the Association of International Consultants on Human Rights (CID), to conceive the idea of a “right to live“. It is to this intelligent, highly motivated and courageous woman, whose own life ended so tragically early, that the authors of this collection of essays^​*​ pay tribute by developing the ideas that were so dear to her, each in his own special sphere of interest. All the contributors are eminent figures in the world of human rights and international humanitarian law, which she studied in depth during a period spent at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

How does the “right to live” differ from the more familiar “right to life“?

The right to life, guaranteed by numerous provisions of human rights instruments and international humanitarian law, is specifically asserted in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which permits no derogation from this right, even when an exceptional public emergency is threatening the life of a nation. As stated in Article 6 of the Covenant, it is an “inherent right” of every human being. The article goes on to say: “That right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life”. Several paragraphs of the same article deal with the death penalty, which is also the subject of an essay in the book, based on the preparatory work in drafting the Covenant.

The “right to live” is an extension of the “right to life“. To live is more than simple existence; it implies the enjoyment of living conditions conducive to the full development of the human person. To have enough food, a home, adequate education and medical care, to be able to work under proper conditions, to move about and express oneself freely, to grow up in a healthy and peaceful environment where all traditions and cultures are respected; these are some aspects of the “right to live”. Furthermore, during the time given him, from birth to death, every individual should be free from fear, fear of insecurity, fear of ill-treatment, torture, “disappearance”, summary execution or the menace represented by the arms race. Even in wartime, indeed, particularly in such circumstances, a “margin of humanity” must be preserved thanks to international humanitarian law. It is difficult to sum up in a few lines the rich content of this work, which covers a score of subjects such as the right to a decent environment, to development and to communications, and the issues of peace, disarmament and scientific and technological progress. Several of the problems involved in giving effect to the “right to live” are also taken up: the role that could be played by the many existing voluntary organizations in improving the quality of life, the protection of migrant workers, the impact of the “brain drain” on developing countries, the “right to live” in the African context, the right of children to be protected from death, disease and exploitation. Finally, the right to be different—from the point of view of a woman from the Third World, Yougindra Khushalani, who attached the greatest importance to the need to respect the cultural identity of peoples. The book concludes with several essays on State responsibility for the protection of the “right to live”.

This publication is far from being a heterogeneous collection of mismatched opinions; it is a harmonious work which illuminates the central theme of the right to live from various angles. In this respect the task undertaken by the general editor, Daniel Premont, has proved a success.

Is now the right time to put forward a new human right on the basis of the concept of a “right to live“? Isn’t this idea in effect a synthesis of all human rights? These questions remain open, and it is up to each reader to form his own opinion. The value of this “comprehensive and evolutive” concept of human rights, to borrow the title of one section of the book, seems to us to be essentially an educational matter. As one of the authors says, work to raise young people’s awareness of human rights issues must not be limited to providing them with information, but must help prepare them to live together in harmony in tomorrow’s society, a society which the adults of today find it difficult to imagine. This is a major and difficult educational undertaking. An approach to the problems of the human community based on the concept of the “right to live” would help stir the awareness of children to values such as respect for life and tolerance, would open their eyes to the realities and diversity of the world and, most important, would give them a sense of their own responsibility by making them realize that solidarity among human beings is the source of collective and individual fulfilment.

Marion Harroff–Tavel

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1. ^​*​
   Essays on the concept of a “Right to Live”, in memory of Yougindra Khushalani, Bruylant, Brussels, 1988,324 pp., bilingual, English and French. Daniel Pr6mont, general editor, Mary Tom, editor, Paul Mayenzet, co-ordinator, Association of International Consultants on Human Rights (CID).

Other Links to Dr. Yougindra Khushalani
https://onevorld.org/2020/02/23/dr-miss-yougindra-khushalani-endowmentlecture-in-mumbai-university/

https://onevorld.org/2011/03/09/the-dignity-and-honour-of-women-as-basic-and-fundamental-human-rights-dr-miss-yougindra-khushalani/