Indian Culture; A Magnet for Seekers

Hinduism is more than a religion. A religion is a restrictive concept, whereas Hinduism means freedom. It is a philosophy that has guided Indians for thousands of years. Hinduism has no beginning. It can be understood as an evolutionary idea. Hinduism is remarkable for its profoundness. It has no boundaries. Acceptance is a unique feature of Hinduism.?

As a philosophy, Hinduism emphasises truth, love and kindness. These are the highest human qualities. This gives Hinduism a sense of timelessness. Following Hinduism is like embarking on a journey to eternity. Hinduism is more of spirituality and less of a religion. The Vedas refer to not 33 crore Devatas but 33 types (Koti in Sanskrit) of Devatas. They are explained in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's and many other scriptures (including Rig Veda, Yajur Veda,etc) very clearly.

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Which means: with Parmatma's influence, these thirty-three Devta sustain the world. The number 33 comes from the number of Vedic gods as 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, 12 Adityas, 1 Indra and 1 Prajapati (explained by Yajnavalkya in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad Chapter I, hymn 9, verse 2). They are as follows :

8 - Vasus : Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, Moon, Sun, and Star. They are called Vasus, because they are abode of all that lives, moves or exists. (also mentioned in Mahabharat, 1/66/18)

11 - Rudras : The ten Pranas (Praana, Apaana, Vyaana, Samaana, Udaana, Naag, Kurma, Krikal, Devadutta and Dhananjaya) i.e. nervauric forces which live in the human body. The eleventh is the human soul. These are called ‘Rudras’ because when they desert the body, it becomes dead and the relations of the deceased, consequently, begin to weep. Rudra means one who makes a person to weep (also mentioned in Harivansha, 13/51-52)

12 - Adityaas :The twelve months of a year called Adityaas, they cause the lapse of the term of existence of each object or being (also mentioned in Mahabharat, 1/65/15-16)

1 - Indra which is also known as the (all-pervading) electricity, as it is productive of great force and 1 - Prajaapati, also called the “Yajna” because it benefits mankind by the purification of air, water, rain and vegetables and because it aids the development of various arts.

In Hinduism, there is a tradition of offering your heart to a personal deity from amongst the pantheon of gods and goddesses. That deity is known as an ishta dev. Your heart quickens as you think of the qualities your chosen deity is said to embody. Of all the ways a deity might be represented as fierce, gentle, creative, protective, demanding this is the one that calls to you, that embodies what means most in your life. This is the one that compels you to go beyond the ups and downs of daily exigencies and reminds you of why you were born.

Hinduism is an Indian religion and dharma, or way of life. Indian culture is the heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, political systems, artifacts and technologies that originated in or are associated with the ethno-linguistically diverse Indian subcontinent.?

Hindu saints have often renounced the world, and are variously called Gurus, sadhus, rishis, swamis, and other names. Many people conflate the terms "saint" and "sant", because of their similar meanings. Association with a holy man can be secured, but it is very difficult to maintain it. Generally, we seek the company of what we like; and because we are impure at heart we seek the company of sensuous persons. Sense-objects may not be harmful in themselves, but it is the company of sensuous persons that is debasing.

Culture makes all human gentle. Culture is more than artifact's, behaviours, metrics. Beliefs, Values and Assumptions are the more deep rooted dimensions which one needs to concentrate to build any culture. The belief of earth as mother which was nourished in the minds of people for ages found its final shape in the personification of mother India.

A civilization as old and as continuous as ours shall hardly need to look outside to define its social, moral and ethical values, and yet we do. Sanatana Dharma has created the largest body of Dharmashastras in the world and the most primary job of the Dharmashastras is to define not just political but also moral and ethical laws. Dharmashastras are not a later invention but derive their authority from the Vedas themselves. In this case to ignore this vast tradition and fall back upon Enlightenment values because it helps us evade the questions of Varna and Caste is nothing but intellectual lethargy and moral dishonesty.?

Satyam is the highest seeking of our philosophy and living. All the four purusharthas of life like Dharma, Artha , kama and Moksha as pathways and as goals seek Satyam Shivam Sundaram. The pursuit of desires or kama, in the context of Dharma as principle and precept aids preservation of Dharma in human society living in co-existence with rest of nature. A family unit with the bonding of Man as a seeker of Truth or Dharma. Words unravel or reveal samskruthi and also layers of deceptions and lies when unpacked.?That's why one needs to clear the verbal delusions surrounding us for Satyam to emerge.

India is known as spiritual country from ancient time because sanatan Dharma emphasis on practice of soul, spirituality, self realisation and self refinement of soul. It's vedas told science is incomplete without spiritual science because science can be used positively or negatively but spiritual science is a practice of soul to makes a man humanitarian.

This was perhaps because in a vast multicultural country like India each region differed from the other and identified itself as one particular nation, however it would be incorrect to say that there was absolutely no unity among different regions in India, common beliefs, practices, gods, scriptures maintained a definite national character which was properly projected in the colonial era.

Circumstances / Company affects us for evil or for good. A saint is a person who does not help us in the gratification of worldly pleasures but, on the contrary, weans us away from them. A saint is one who kindles love for God in our hearts. We should have an earnest longing to meet such a saint. A pedlar vending medicinal herbs and roots carries a peculiar bolus which can absorb poison or toxins when placed over the spot of a venomous sting or a festering wound. When washed, the special property of the bolus is restored. In the same way, our sins are drained away in the company of a saint, while the saint himself remains pure and holy as before.

Sense-pleasures are very enticing; but when we feel that we should free ourselves from their clutches we should resort to the company of the devout. When evil thoughts beset the mind, take recourse to nama. Those who see everything as the manifestation of God, and the universe as His pleasurable amusement, alone find true and lasting joy. That is why the saints always talk of God. Saint Tukaram used only to utter the name of the Lord, ‘Vitthal’, ‘Vitthal’, but its sweetness far surpassed that of the best of our music.

Saints feel deep and sincere compassion for us; we cannot even gauge its depth; because our mind is steeped in sense- pleasures, we take their advice lightly, though it is in our interest. When we are ill we take the prescribed medicine even if it is unpleasant to taste and smell; then why should we not attend to the benevolent advice of the saints as an antidote to miseries of worldly life? Even the apparently harsh words of a saint do not hurt, because he is constantly in communion with God. Absolute fearlessness is the chief mark of a saint; there is no cause for fear when one feels that he himself pervades the universe.

Hindu Culture, Rituals and Festivals : Every part of our beloved India will wish you with high spirits of cultural festivity. After all, this what India- the festival of land is known for. Ancient Culture makes all human gentle. Culture is more than artifact's, behaviours, metrics. Beliefs, Values and Assumptions are the more deep rooted dimensions which one needs to concentrate to build any culture. The belief of earth as mother which was nourished in the minds of people for ages found its final shape in the personification of mother India.

A civilization as old and as continuous as ours shall hardly need to look outside to define its social, moral and ethical values, and yet we do. Sanatana Dharma has created the largest body of Dharmashastras in the world and the most primary job of the Dharmashastras is to define not just political but also moral and ethical laws. Dharmashastras are not a later invention but derive their authority from the Vedas themselves. In this case to ignore this vast tradition and fall back upon Enlightenment values because it helps us evade the questions of Varna and Caste is nothing but intellectual lethargy and moral dishonesty.?

Satyam is the highest seeking of our philosophy and living. All the four purusharthas of life like Dharma, Artha , kama and Moksha as pathways and as goals seek Satyam Shivam Sundaram. The pursuit of desires or kama, in the context of Dharma as principle and precept aids preservation of Dharma in human society living in co-existence with rest of nature. A family unit with the bonding of Man as a seeker of Truth or Dharma. Words unravel or reveal samskruthi and also layers of deceptions and lies when unpacked.?That's why one needs to clear the verbal delusions surrounding us for Satyam to emerge.

India is known as spiritual country from ancient time because sanatan Dharma emphasis on practice of soul, spirituality, self realisation and self refinement of soul. It's vedas told science is incomplete without spiritual science because science can be used positively or negatively but spiritual science is a practice of soul to makes a man humanitarian.

This was perhaps because in a vast multicultural country like India each region differed from the other and identified itself as one particular nation, however it would be incorrect to say that there was absolutely no unity among different regions in India, common beliefs, practices, gods, scriptures maintained a definite national character which was properly projected in the colonial era.

?No Teacher wants his students to fail and repeat the learning. Guru or God or nature is a particle which can help make you a better version of YOU. This tattva is present inside you. It is your consciousness. It is what we are, but because we do not believe this truth, we seek someone as physical person / something which can help. Initially we may all need a Teacher / Guru / culture / nature to help us to walk on the path, but eventually you have to walk alone as process of enlightenment. Salutations to our cultural Rishi Parampara. This journey of collecting, synthesising and collaborating every aspect that my consciousness has learnt, understood and experienced with culture to be shinning forth through my physical being.?

Our Indian culture is so rich in every form; it is the land of Rishis and Munis. Be proud to be a part of this holy land. Whatever we have learnt from our nation, be it knowledge, talent or creativity, it should be served to our nation itself. This shows our loyalty and faithfulness towards our country. Celebrate these festivals flamboyantly. As the temples are last functioning and living institutions of Sanatana Dharma, so these festivals are the last vestiges of Hindu rituals and customs. Stand with Dharma. And it is easy. Celebrate all festivals and transfer them to your children.

According to Hinduism Brahma creates while Vishnu protects and Shiva transforms. Shiva does not destroy, as energy cannot be destroyed He only transforms. The right and wrong exist in this universe with slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as “Pralaya” the Cosmic Deluge and it is done in order to make way for another cycle of existence.

Shiva has the unclad body smeared with ash symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. The three matted locks of hair represent the assimilation of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. Three eyes represent the Sun, Moon and Fire. The three white-lined Bhasma (Ash) on His forehead reminds his devotees to annihilate the three Mala (Impurities), namely Aham (Ego), Kamya (Expectation), and Maya (Illusion), and avoid the three Eshana (Craving), desire for Stri (Woman), Sampatti (Property), Swarna (Gold), and shun the three Vasanas (Tendencies), Loka Vasana (Materialism), Deha Vasana (attachment to body-mind) and Shastra Vasana (boast of knowledge), and only then one can attain Him with a pure heart.

Snake around his neck symbolize the Jivatma (Individual Consciousness) resting on the Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness). The crescent moon on his forehead represents mind. It denotes that a seeker has to keep the state of his mind like the crescent moon. The full moon represents “Know-it-all” mentality, the crescent moon depicts the humble state of mind wanting and waiting to know. This humble state of mind controls ego, when ego is controlled humanity and humility blossoms.

Shiva is the greatest Vaishnava always meditating on His SELF who is none other than Sri Hari. Shiva is the Eternal Spiritual Guru who has to lead me to Paramapada (Supreme Abode). He has done it at the start of Kaliyuga when He appeared as Sukhadeva to recite the glories of Sri Hari through Srimad Bhagavatam to King Parikshit in the kings last seven days.?A spiritual master has to be “Ashutosha” one who is quickly satisfied and quick to give benedictions. There is none like Shiva who is “Nishkapata Kripalu” the one who is guilelessly compassionate.

OM - phonetically AUM is the fundamental symbol for Yoga and Meditation. 'A' represents the physical plane. 'U' represents the world of intelligent spirits. 'M' which makes your lips join making the sound travel inside through your nasal passage, your naval and your big toe, represents your deep-sleep state. Besides improving sleep quality, liberating you from anxiety, helping you remain calm, bringing better focus, chanting AUM leads to fluorescence signal enhancement in Antibody.?When chanted, AUM vibrates at the frequency of 432Hz, the same frequency found in all beings and?things in Nature. It's a superior healing process that opens all your Chakras. Non Sanatanis who practice Yoga without chanting AUM because it's against their faith are basically wasting their time.?

Joining Both Palms together to Greet: In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact.

?Applying Tilak on the Forehead: On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

Why do Temples have Bells: People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose.

?These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

?Navratras: Our living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds and thousands of years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not establishments of today but of the past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi? Well, both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite different from each other. Navratras give enough time to the body to adjust and prepare itself for to the changing season. These nine days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar, meditate, gain a lot of positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence and increase the self determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination) and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.

Worship Tulsi Plant: Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties.

It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

Worship Peepal Tree: ‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

Start with Spice and End with Sweet: Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

Choti on the Male Head: Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumn? (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikh? helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

?Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand: Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

Celebration and Cleaning During Diwali: Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season. Rainy season wasn’t a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.

?Sitting on the Floor and Eating: This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.

Sleep with Your Head towards North: Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body’s magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth’s Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

Surya Namaskar: Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day. Yoga is the best contribution to the world.

Ear Piercing in Children: Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behaviour and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.

Application of Sindoor or Vermillion: It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.

The scientific explanation of ouching Feet (charan sparsh): Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.

Why do we Fast: The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

Why Idol Worship: Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion.

Throwing Coins into a water: The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the water was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

?Indian Women wear Toe Ring: Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

Why do Indian Women wear Bangles: Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.?

Indian culture teaches us myriad things about life. It is a well-known saying that the Hindu epic Ramayana teaches us what to do in life and the Mahabharata gives us lessons on what we must not do in life.

The Power of Forgiveness: After the "Cheer-Haran", when Draupadi was crying and burning for her revenge, Lord Krishna told her that the first thing she should do to take her revenge was to forgive Duryodhan even for such a heinous crime. Initially she was jolted by such an advise but her forgiveness fuelled the Pandavas for an epic battle.

The Importance of Decision: During the "Dharmayudh", when Arjun was in huge dilemma whether waging the war was a good choice. He couldn't accept the fact that he will have to kill his own family members. Then Lord Krishna said that

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?which means "why you fear the results, do the job and don't care for result. Your task is to make the choice and take a decision what you think is just for all. The dilemma you face will not resolve any problem rather it will deviate you from your chosen path. All that matters is your decision." He said "I have already killed these people. You can act but as an instrument" and "you have made your choice. It's time you take your decision." Another instance is when Lord Krishna curses Bhisma for the lack of courage to take any decision. He said " All your life, you thought you were bound by the oaths you took. All along you knew that whatever was happening, was unjust. You had the power to stop every activity that led to this day here and yet you didn't take any action for the fear of oaths. Your decision could have prevented this holy war. All your powers and life now seems a waste to me."

Knowledge and Education: Before accepting his death when Angraj Karna asks Lord Krishna that why he couldn't get the respect and prosperity as Arjuna, Lord Krishna replied "All your life you have envied your younger brother. Education is only received when you accept it for the sake of knowledge. If you receive it to satisfy your other wishes, your education will remain incomplete till death. You recieved your education just to show you are greater than Arjuna. This is the reason that even with so much incomparable skills you are not as respected as Arjuna. Even today it is said that "Don't chase success. Chase Excellence, Success will follow."

Choice of Companions: Let just take the instance from "The Ramayana". Queen Kakayi is known to be a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. But the companionship of Manthara even turned such a devotee into a jealous queen. Another instance is from Mahabharata again. It was the companionship of the great conspirator Shakuni which turned a little boy into an abhorrent king.

Emotionally Aggravated Decisions: Emotionally aggravated decisions are often wrong. There are times when we are very submerged in emotions (mostly negative) and we take big decisions in that state of mind. Mahabharat teaches us how disastrous that can be. For example, when Pandu (the father of Pandavas) accidently killed a sage disguised as deer, he is filled with guilt and remorse. In that breath of guilt and remorse, he decides to quit his throne, kingdom and palace and live in forest. Its this decision which starts the main problem in the kingdom of Hastinapur and his brother Dhritrashtra (who is considered inefficient and insecure) who was earlier deemed misfit to be a king is given the throne, with no other option left.

Another example was Dhritarashtra, who always took such decisions due to the blind love for his son. All the way, he knew that Duryodhan was one who was punishable for offence. But he always took his decisions in his son's favour. Because of his unjust decisions, he lost his 100 sons including Duryodhan to death.

Choice Of Words: We often give the running events a direction of flow by the words we speak. Harsh words may stir hatred to such extent that we may not be able to imagine. For instance, at 'Swayamvar', Draupadi (the wife of Pandavas) rejects Karn sighting his low caste. She chooses very harsh words and humiliates him so he is discouraged and does not participate in the process. She succeeds in her attempt but in the process creates such a hatred in Karn's heart that he is always burning in that fire to take revenge against her and humiliate her publicly in a similar fashion. Driven by that hatred and revenge, when he gets his chance in Duryodhan's court, he instigates the Kauravas in their act of humiliating Droupadi by disrobing her.

Motivation and Focussed Attempt: Once, guru Dronacharya told his students to shoot the eye of the bird hidden behind the tree. Everybody missed their targets except Arjuna. Then guru Drona asked that how did he shot the eye, to which Arjuna replied "When I was ready to shoot my arrow, all I saw was the eye of the bird, nothing else." So he was so focussed on his target that nothing could distract him. That's why he is praised as the greatest archer of all times.

Motivation can be achieved in the darkest of times. When Pandavas were exiled for 12 years, they were eager to take their revenge. But Lord Krishna motivated them and said "Use this time to prepare yourselves for the victory. This time will be full of challenges and hardships but remember that these hardships will remind you all about your revenge and will keep you motivated."

A Little Knowledge Dangerous Thing: It is proved by the death of Abhimanyu. No doubt he was an outstandingly brave warrior but his half knowledge of Chakravyuh led him to his death.

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