Impact of Bhakti Movement --- 1400-1750 CE--- II

क्रोधाद भवति सम्मोहः, सम्मोहात् स्म्रतिविभ्रमः

स्म्रतिभ्रशांद बुदिध्नाशो, बुदिध्नाशात् प्रणश्यसि ।

 ( verse 64,  Bhagwat Gita )

What a great message on one of the most undesirable attribute " ANGER", for a human being! Bhagwat Gita had been one of the three main spiritual scriptures widely referred by spiritual saints and Gurus during Bhakti movement. It conveys "क्रोध से अत्यंत मूढभाव पैदा होता है, मूढभाव से स्म्रति में भ्रम,जिससे ज्ञानशक्ति का नाश होता है और मनुष्य अपने न्यूनतम स्तर पर गिर जाता है। Continuing the learnings in Blog 11 on DHARMA and ETHICAL LIFE during the Bhakti movement, we shall now focus on the impact of preaching s of another two prominent spiritual saints of this period namely Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Circa 1486-1534 CE ) and Mira Bai ( Circa 1498-1547 CE)-- both with unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna as the supreme God.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as Lord Gauranga, was a renowned and celebrated proponent of the Vaishnava School of Bhaktiyoga. In a short time, he mastered all branches of Sanskrit-- logic, literature, rhetoric, philosophy, theology and used to demonstrate his scholastic intellect in various forums. He also mastered the practice of  disciplined  fasting and austerities , generally followed by saints and renunciates, at an early age. He used to hold spiritual discourses, spreading messages of Dharma and Ethical living in several towns and cities . His life style was a model of Ethical values and principles, submerged in pure Bhakti and boundless love for Lord Krishna.

 A major transformation occurred in his life, when he adopted Sh Isvar Puri , an ascetic of the order of Sh Madhavacharya, as his Guru. He developed a deep  devotional commitment to Lord Krishna. He laughed, wept, jumped, rolled in dust, sang and danced in ecstasy- chanting,  KRISHNA! KRISHNA! HARI BOL !HARI BOL!. He repeatedly said," Chant the name of Krishna while sitting, standing, walking, eating, sleeping and at all times. For around 18 years in Puri, he preached pure Bhakti and spiritual love for Krishna. SIKSASTAKAM, the famous eight verses of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu reveal his life's mission, precepts and values and have great messages on DHARMA and ETHICAL LIVING for the masses. Quoting from SIKSASTAKAM;

" Trinad api sunichena, Taror api sahishnuna;

  Amanina manadena, Kirtaniyah sada harih !--- text 3

One should chant the name of Lord in humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than a straw in the street, more tolerant than a tree,devoid of all sense of false prestige and eager to respect all others. Another verse, text 1 --- " Ceto- darpana- marjanam bhava - maha -davagni- nirvapanam ie One must clean the dust , accumulated over the years, on heart and extinguish the fire of conditional life---- of repeated births and deaths. This can only be achieved by SANKIRTANA of Lord Krishna, which is the lifeline  of all transcendental knowledge and bliss. The focus here is on Self regulation and Self realization, leading to the state of pure consciousness. Quoting Text 4 of SIKSASTAKAM,

" Na dhanam na janam na sundarim,

  Kavitam Va jagad-isha kamaye;

  Mama janmani janmanishvare,

  Bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tway."

It means that a devoted follower of Lord Krishna has no desire to accumulate wealth or materialistic things, nor the company of beautiful women, nor the hunger of  number of disciplined followers. What he wants is to serve his Lord, birth after birth, without seeking anything in return. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, thus preached Pure Unconditional Bhakti of Krishna, with complete surrender of one's self at His pious feet. Great messages on Ethical living indeed!

Another saintly personality MIRA, born as a princess, loved none except Lord Krishna, unmindful of events and upheavals in Rajput families and several battles close to her kingdom. Some of the poetic verses, either written by her or by several other poets based on her preached values and philosophy of life demonstrate intense inner feelings for her Lord. These also reflect upon her DHARMIK attitude and ETHICAL living soaked in deep devotion and spiritual love for her Master.

"हरि तुम हरो जन की भीर।"

"बाला मैं बैरागण हूंगी।

जिन भेषां म्हारो साहिब रीझे, सोही भेष धरूंगी।

सील संतोष धरूँं घट भीतर, समता पकड रहूंगी।।"

Mira, in the first verse conveys her concern for the masses, praying to Lord Krishna to remove pains and miseries of people. In the second verse, she emphasizes upon the traits of CONTENTMENT, INNER PEACE, EQUANIMITY and PURITY IN CHARACTER as well as its boundaries for Ethical cum Spiritual living. Her deep love for KRISHNA had no boundaries. Quoting another one, translated in English;

"Mai ni Maine Gobind linho mol, Mai ni Maine Gobind linho mol,

    Koi kahe mehengo, Koi kahe sasto, liyo tarazu tol,

  Koi kahe Karo, Koi kahe goro, liyo ni amolak mol."

Mira was  fully submerged in her devotion to Lord Krishna without bothering about what the society felt. Another verse of Mira conveys, " मैं तो सांवरे के संग राची। साजि सिंगार बांधि पग घुंघरू, लोक लाज तजि नाची ।। What a selfless surrender!

 Dharma and Ethical living in the society were greatly impacted by such saintly personalities like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Mira during this period. There were many more prominent saintly personalities, who did selfless work for spreading Dharma and Ethical practices among masses in this period. We shall be covering the learnings from some of them in next 2 to 3 blogs, The wide dissemination of knowledge stored in spiritual scriptures of Bhagwat Gita, Bhagwat Purana and other scores of versions of Purana, also, continued to create its impact on the masses. I would like to sum up the Blog by one of the ethical learning from these spiritual scriptures;

मेरा- तेरा, छोटा- बडा, अपना- पराया, मन से मिटा दो।

फिर सब तुम्हारा है, तुम सबके हो ।।

Impact of Bhakti Movement-- 1400--1750 CE----I

कामी क्रोधी लालची, इनसे भक्ति न होय ।

भक्ति करे कोइ सूरमा, जाति वरण कुल खोय ।।  

Bhakti movement, initially began in around 7th century in South India and expanded northwards, focused on spiritual love and devotion to religious concepts & principles, generally concentrating on loving relationship with a defined God. The initial Bhakti movement and its impact on Dharma/ Ethical living have been covered in some of my earlier Blogs including Blog 8, " Impact during Classical Puranic Hinduism period". From 15th century on-wards till middle of 17th century, it  swept across north & east India, enveloped around Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism.

 Some religious scholars have interpreted that Bhakti movement  has been essentially a revival, reworking and re-contextualization of ancient Vedic traditions. Bhakti movement tried to remove social inequities and welcomed in its fold people of all castes, including so called untouchables, a reformist movement in society. SEVA, DANA, Community Kitchens, Free Shared Food, Free Hostels for poor, Providing Community Labor, Feeding Houses for Poor, Guru Ka Langar and many more reformist concepts were introduced during this movement by its Spiritual  Leaders & Gurus. One can easily say that DHARMA & Ethical practices took a big LEAP with expanded scope & new definitions during this movement. learnings from this period being vast, we shall cover these in three to four blogs, beginning with Sant Ramananda ( 1400-1480 CE) and his prominent disciple Sant Kabir ( 1440-1518 CE) in this blog.

Sant Ramananda, also known as Jagatguru Ramanandacharya, was a great social reformer. He had several prominent disciples including Sant Kabir, Sant Ravidas . His preaching s had a universal appeal and to some extent, also influenced founding of SIKHISM in 15th century. Quoting a line from his writings impacting Dharma/ Ethical Living;

जाति पाति पूछे न कोई, हरि को भजे सो हरि का होई ।।

Another of his writing known as Raga Basant , a part of Guru Granth Sahib, conveys that God is within a person and one need not go to any temple. " Where should I go? I am happy at home.My heart will not go with me. My mind has become crippled. One day, a desire welled up in my mind, I ground up sandalwood, along with several fragrant oils.I went to the temple, to worship HIM there, then my GURU showed the BRAHMA within my heart."Some of these preaching s created considerable impact on the society in practicing Dharma and Ethical practices by way of removing social inequities and  unethical practices.

Sant Kabir's preaching s were full of  spiritual wisdom in simple, straight forward, sometimes even blunt, words. These touched everyone and impacted lives of people of all classes in leading ethical life. In a way, these also indirectly expressed what DHARMA is, in real sense. Quoting a few relevant verses of Sant Kabir on DHARMA & Ethical Practices.

कबीरा खड़ा बाजा़र में, माँंगे सबकी खैर । ना काहू से दोस्ती, ना काहू से वैर ।।
कबीर आप ठगाइए, और ना ठगिए कोए । आप ठगै सुख उपजै, ओर ठगै दुख होए ।।
जहाँं दया तहाँं धर्म है, जहाँं लोभ तहाँं पाप । जहाँं क्रोध तहाँं पाप है, जहाँं क्षमा तहाँं आप ।।
दुर्बल को न सताइए, जाकि मोटी हाय । बिना जीव की हाय से, लौह भस्म हो जाय ।।

Each word of Sant Kabir in his numerous verses  describes Dharma & Ethical living norms. " Kade Abhiman Na Kijiye, Kahe Kabir Samajhaye " ie Ego should have no place in a person's life. Another one on HUMILITY impacts living;

" Sabse laghuta hi bhali, laghuta Se sab hoye. " ie it's always better to be humble, which mostly leads to effective results. On one's VAANI or speech, Sant Kabir emphasized non aggression and calmness in speech. He is categorical on speaking TRUTH since it leads to piousness in behavior and closeness to God.

ऐसी वाणी बोलिए, मन का आपा खोय । ओरों को शीतल करे, आप ही शीतल होय ।।
बोली एक अनमोल है, जो कोई बोले जानि ।हिये तराजू तौलिके, तब मुख बाहर आनि ।।
साँंच बराबर तप नहीं, झूठ बराबर पाप । जाके हिरदे साँंच है, ता हिरदे हरि आप ।।

Every couplet of Sant Kabir focuses on Dharma and ethical practices for society to follow. " Maya Mari na Mann mara, mar mar gaye sharir ; Aasha trishna na Mari, keh gaye das Kabir". Sant Kabir was very modest  even in seeking blessings of God--- " सांई इतना दीजिए, जा में कुटम्ब समाए । मैं भी भूखा न रहूं, साधु न भूखा जाए ।। What a great Ethical message ? In fact, Dharma and Ethical practices took a giant leap during this period. respect for HUMAN VALUES grew in society and social inequities were impacted.

 Bhakti movement went on encompassing more and more members of society in all parts of India and with it came Tolerance, Forgiveness and Acceptance with Humility. Leanings from the preaching s of Sant Kabir are phenomenal and can not be covered in a small blog. I have only tried to include a small no of selective verses from his vast reservoir of Spiritual/ Humanity based values. Summing up, these describe कामी, क्रोधी, लालची, अभिमानी as unethical traits; while दया, क्षमा, सत्यता, वाणी की शीतलता, नम्रता, सेवा, दानी होना, गरीबो की मदद, किसी को न सताना, सबको प्यार करना और साथ लेकर चलना आदि as Dharmic & Ethical traits.

 Let me end the blog by a couplet of Sant Kabir on a strong value of " PURUSHARTH ", ie one's Dharma by meeting life's needs through working and not begging. What a wonderful deep message on KARMA in life, as one's Dharma, which is ethical ?

माँंगन मरण समान है, मत माँंगो कोई भीख ।

माँंगन से मरना भला, यह सतगुरू की सीख ।।

Impact of Sufism during Circa 1150 CE--1750 CE-- II

In the house of lovers, the music never stops;
The walls are are made of songs, and the floor dances.
(Rumi)

Continuing learnings from Sufism on Divine Spirituality, Cosmic Harmony and Love for Humanity  by some of prominent Indian Sufi Ascetics shared in blog 9 , we shall try to complete the learnings in the current Blog , targeting those impacting Dharma & Ethical living in that period.We shall attempt to include the strong vibrant feelings in this direction, expressed by a few more Indian Sufi Ascetics including  Amir Khosaru,  Bulleh Shah and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

Amir Khosaru Dehlawi ( 1253-1325 CE ), was a Sufi mystic and a disciple of Nizammuddin Auliya. He has been regarded as the Father of Qawwali, the devotional music of Sufi's, besides his writings in the form of Gazals& Rubai. His teachings focused on intense Love for his Guru, Humanity in general and love & peace for the world.

खुसरो दरिया प्रेम का, उल्टी वा की धार ।

जो उतरा सो डूब गया, जो डूबा सो पार ।।

It conveyed that river of love for the Humanity flows in strange directions. One, who jumps into it drowns and one who drowns only gets across. One can quote several of his great writings impacting Ethical Living and fighting religious day to day superstitions,  in general. Quoting another famous writing used by several celebrities of yesterday and today in their compositions;

छाप तिलक सब छीनी रे, मोसे नैना मिलाइके ।

प्रेम भटी का मदवा पिलाइके, मतवारी कर लीन्ही रे, मोसे नैना मिलाइके ।।

It conveyed a strong message on respect for Guru and ethical living in general. It says" you have taken away my looks and my identity by just a glance.By making me drink the wine of love, you have intoxicated me by a simple glance." In another writing, following example of great ethics and moral values, he submits to his Guru, Nizamuuddin Auliya, that he has scores of weaknesses/ deficiencies, which Guru alone can correct.

सब सखियो मे चुनर मेरी मैली, देख हसे नर नारी निजाम।

अब के बहार चुनर मेरी रन्ग दे, पिया रख ले लाज हमारी निजाम।।

 Let me move on to another Sufi ascetic Bulleh Shah ( 1680-1757 CE), who was a Punjabi Sufi Poet-- a Humanist and philosopher. He impacted the society with his simple philosophical writings ( Kafis). His life span overlapped with Punjabi poet Waris Shah ( 1722-1798 CE) of Heer Ranjha fame and Sindhi Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai ( 1689-1752 CE ). His Kafis highlight mystical spiritual voyage involving four stages of Sufism, namely SHARIAT ( Path), TARIQAT( Observance), HAQIQAT( Truth) and MARFAT( Union). Several Sufi singers of today like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Waddali Brothers, Abida Praveen and others have beautifully  composed his Kafis into adorable music. Let us look into a few of his Kafis, which have created a great impact on ETHICAL LIVING.

Bulleya Ki Janna Mein Kaun,

Na Mein Mo-min vi ch maseetaan,

Na Mein vi ch kufar diyan reetan,

Na Mein paakan vi ch paleetan,

Na Mein moosa Na fir-own.

Broadly meaning that Bulleh Shah is questioning himself--- his inner self; he is not a believer inside a mosque; nor a disciple of false rites; nor the pure among-st the impure; nor Moses or the Pharaoh. It shows the HUMANIST face of Bulleh Shah. Further he adds

Na Mein andar Ved  Kitabaan,

Na vi ch bhangaan, Na sharabaan.

Meaning that he is not in the Holy Vedas, Nor in opium or wine. What a message on Ethical living in society? One more English translation of his  writing, conveying values to be observed;

You have learnt so much.

 You have read a thousand books;Have you ever read yourself?

You have gone to mosque & temple; Have you ever visited your soul?

You are busy fighting Satan; Have you ever fought your evil intentions?

You have reached into the skies; But you have failed to reach inside your heart.

One Dohre of Bulleh Shah emphasizing the need to look inside of self is reproduced below;

रब रब करदे बुड्ढे हो गए, मुल्ला पन्डित सारे।

रब दा खोज खुरा ना लब्भा, ओदे सजदे कर कर हारे ।

रब ते तेरे अन्दर बसदा, तेरे विच कुरान इशारे ।

बुल्लेशाह रब ओनू मिलदा, जेड़ा अपने नफस नू मारे ।।

Another Sufi scholar, mystic, saint and Sindhi poet Shah Abdul  Latif Bhittai, whose poems were compared to great Persian poet Rumi, created enormous impact on Dharma & Ethical practices during early and middle of 1700 CE. His collection  " Shah  Jo Risalo" is a testimony of his thoughts.  Quoting a few;

If you are seeking  Allah, then keep clear of religious formalities;

Those, who have seen Allah, are away from all religions.

The message is clear that "Human Dharma" is bigger than any religion and service to mankind should be the part and parcel of every Ethical life. In another poem, he writes;

Egoism and Allah, can not exist in one and the same soul;

Be Modest and Humble, anger brings enormous sorrow;

Patience yields contentment, if you were to understand.

In another writing, he emphasized " Malicious never benefit from malice". Another one, focused on the philosophy of these Sufi scholars is given below;

Sufi's do not believe in religious convictions, no one knows their faith;

Their mind is always busy for war, with egoism, but disclose nothing;

They help all, even those, who are antagonistic to them.

Summing up the two blogs on Indian Sufi Ascetics, focusing their impact on Dharma & Ethical practices by way of their  philosophy and writings, let me add that it generated enormous impact on masses and the society. Their writings and preaching s undoubtedly convey Love for Humanity, Standing high above all religious convictions & superstitions, Modesty in behavior, Humility, Fighting egoism, Truthfulness, Contentment, Self exploration & Self understanding and Service to people by helping the needy. Quoting the great Persian Poet & Philosopher RUMI;

Love is the bridge between you and everything.

Impact of Sufism during Circa 1150 CE--1750 CE-- I

Develop River like  generosity, Sun like bounty; And Earth like hospitality. ( Siyar-ul-Auliya; Khwaja Gharib Nawaz)

                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                       

Sufism, initially developed in circa 800-900 CE in Basra, Kufa,  Baghdad, Balkh of Persia & Egypt and passed on thru a chain of transmissions by Sufi Masters, taught their disciples ( Murids)--Self discipline, Trust in God, Self examination, Divine love and the love Relationship with God that may lead a disciple to intimate experience/ union with God. We shall cover this topic in two blogs , Blog 9 and Blog 10 under the Title" Impact of Sufism during circa 1150 CE-1750 CE-- I and II" respectively.

 While there were several prominent Sufi Ascetics spreading Spirituality, Ethical life and Dharma in general for masses as well as Rulers & high ups in society, a few prominent Indian Sufi Ascetics-- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ( 1141-1236 CE ), Nizamuddin Auliya ( 1238-1335 CE ), Amir Khosaru (1253 - 1325 CE) and Bulleh   Shah ( 1680-1757 CE ) and many other Sufi mystics / poets & philosophers of Chishtiya as well as other  orders/ lineage created enormous impact in society. They preached divine spirituality, cosmic harmony as well as love for Humanity as the Principal Dharma expressed in scores of poetry, books and musical delights.

Sufism is primarily known as a symbol of interfaith harmony, an intrinsically Indian concept---- where society manages to seamlessly absorb all religious hues from multitude of faiths, cultures and traditions. Sufi Ascetics ( known as Pirs),  preached " Sulh- e -Kul " ie peace to all, a formal approach to multiculturalism and inclusivity. Sufism got embedded into cultural fabric of Indian Society , prominently, during the rule of Delhi Sultanate of 10th - 11th centuries. It grew extensively during Bhakti movement in ideal harmony.

 Sufi shrines , popularly known as DARGAH, became places of worship and spreading of messages of Dharma/ Ethical living for all communities. While, one can elaborate a lot on the allied subjects of Sufism like " A Dervish ( some one treading a Sufi Muslim ascetic path like Hindu Sadhus or Buddhist/ Jain Monks )", " Ziyarat (a ritual of visiting grave tombs of Sufi saints )", " Waqf ( for preserving Tombs and renovating these) & several others,we shall move forward to understand the impact of Sufism on Dharma/ Ethical Living in society by some of these Sufi saints at that time.

In this Blog 9, I am attempting to share a few highlights of the impact created on Dharma & Ethical Living during  circa 1100-1350 CE by the preaching s of  Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya, both of  Chishtiya order, who stressed on LOVE as a means of realizing God. For them, Love of God implied Love of Humanity. A few teachings of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (also known as Gharib Nawaz) , which demonstrate deep impact on Dharma & Ethical Living are;

• Allah blesses people who are Charitable, Generous and Compassionate.
• Prosperity departs from the home of one who tells a lie on oath and he is soon ruined.
• The best way of evading the FIRE OF HELL lies in feeding the hungry,providing water to the thirsty, removing the wants of the needy and befriending the miserable s.
• For a follower of the PATH OF TRUTH, it is worse than a sin to disdain or look down upon anyone.
• Patience is tested thru resignation to sorrow, sufferings and disaster without murmur.
• A sin committed does not harm an individual so much as looking down with contempt upon one's own fellow beings.
• One should forget the " I " -- status, power, wealth, wants and desires. One should forget his own existence, merge his self with Divine Reality and remember only Allah.
• He, indeed is a true devotee, blessed with love of God, who has these attributes--- RIVER LIKE CHARITY ( no limits & equally beneficial to all creatures of God ), SUN LIKE AFFECTION ( sunlight to all ) and EARTH LIKE HOSPITALITY ( loving embrace, open to all ).

Gharib Nawaz was an eminent scholar, writer and poet, who wrote several books on Dharma, Ethical living and Divine knowledge for the benefit of masses. Another prominent Indian Sufi Saint  Nizamuddin Auliya spread the message of Love of Humanity and Love of God among masses. Some of his key beliefs were;

• Unity of Mankind and shunning distinctions based on social, economical and religious status.
• Emphasis on Renunciation and complete trust in God.
• Helping the needy, feeding the hungry and being sympathetic even to oppressors. 

Nizamuddin Auliya was among the spiritual lineage of Indian Spiritual Sufi chain of Chishtiya order, beginning from Moinuddin Chishti, Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fariduddin Masud ( Baba Farid) and Nizamuddin Auliya. Quoting him, " True wisdom is to renounce the world." Another translation of the thoughts of these Sufi saints is,

फरीद काले मैन्दे कपडे, काले मैन्दे वेष ।

गुनाह भरे मै फिरॉ, लोक कहे दरवेष ।।

Nizamuddin Aulia never visited courts of Delhi Sultanate. He advised his followers " One whose hands and feet moved at the royal buildings, could not have a soul of his own. The only way to love and adore Allah- Taala is to love Him for the sake of human beings and to love human beings for the sake of Allah-- Taala.
Well, one can go on writing endlessly on the philosophies and preaching s of these Sufi saints and scholars. They created enormous impact on the masses in that period in relation to Ethical practices as well as Dharma. Most of the rulers at that time were moved by their philosophies and had great regard for them, besides seeking their blessings. I can sum up this blog by a famous Sufi Quote,

Every Particle of Dust is a cup, wherein all the world can be seen,

Whosoever got any blessings, got it by generosity alone,

Sufi's breathe nothing but Love.

The Impact during Classical Puranic Hinduism period, circa 500-1500 CE

कामम् क्राेधम् लाेभम् माेहम् त्यक्तवात्मानम् भाव्यम् काेहम्।

आत्मज्ञानम् विहीनामूढाः ते पत्यन्ते नरकनिगूढाः ।।

 Give up lust, anger,infatuation and greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they, who are blind to the self; cast into hell, they suffer endlessly. ---- Text 27, Bhaja Govindam, Adi Sankara )

Classical Puranic  Hinduism period generally refers to the timeline circa 450 CE to 1400 CE.  Several religious and spiritual philosophers impacted the ethical thinking of the society during this period. But the greatest impact on Dharma and Ethical living was felt on the basis of teachings of  FIVE GREAT SPIRITUAL PHILOSOPHERS of this period namely;

• Sri Adi Sankara (788-820 CE), exponent of KEVALA ADVAITA/ uncompromising MONISM, philosophy of oneness/ not two Brahman& Self.

• Sri Ramanuja ( circa 1017-1137 CE ), exponent of VISISHTADVAITA or Qualified MONISM. 

• Sri Nimbarkacharya ( circa 1130-1200 CE ), exponent of DVAITADVAITA  or BHEDA-BHEDA-VADA, professing duality and individuality at the same time. 

• Sri Madhavacharya ( circa 1288-1317 CE ), exponent of STRICT DVAITISM or Dvaita Vada. 

• Sri Vallabhacharya ( circa 1479-1531 CE ), exponent of SUDDHADVAITA VADA or pure MONISM and founder of Push-ti sect.

Some more names of this period like that of Sri Gandapadacharya ( circa 700 CE ), of Advaita philosophy & generally referred as Guru  of Adi Sankara, need worth mentioning for their contribution towards spreading the message of Dharma and  Ethical thinking. During the same period, Buddhism continued to grow and diversify itself into Zen- Buddhism & allied religious areas.

SUFISM, originated in circa 800-900 CE, prominently in Basra, Kufa & Baghdad, Egypt, a few more places in middle east & Persia,sometimes referred as a mystical movement, focused on love relationship with God leading to intimate experience of God & finally to a total union with God. Several  Sufi ascetics and philosophers continued to impact the society on Dharma and Ethical living. While we shall cover the messages prophesied by the 5 great philosophers from Adi Sankara to Sri Vallabhacharya in this blog, the learnings  on Dharma & Ethical living from  Sufi  ascetics shall be covered in next blog.

The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, prophesied by Adi Shankaracharya is based on sacred texts of Upanishads, Bhagwat Gita & Brahmsutras.

Brahma, Satyam, Jagan mithya ; Jivo, Brahmaiva napara.( Vivek Chudamani ) ie. Brahman is reality, the universe is an illusion, the living being is Brahman alone and none else. Going a step further, it conveys that Jiva or individual soul is not different from Brahman, who is full, infinite, changeless, self-existent, self-delight, self-knowledge and self-bliss. It is SVARUPA ( essence), NIRAKARA( formless), SEER( drashta), TRANSCENDENT( turiya) and SILENT WITNESS( saakshi). Adi Sankara cleansed the Vedic Religious practices of ritualistic excesses by transforming these into acceptable Ethical practices. Dharma and Ethical thinking in society underwent a big boost thru

1.  His commentaries on Brahmsutras called Brahmasutrabhashya and Bhaja-Govindam-- a devotional poem in praise of Lord Krishna besides the famous Sanskrit poem cum dialogue between Master & Disciple " Vivek Chudamani ", focusing on developing VIVEKA, the human faculty of discrimination as the central requirement of  ETHICAL LIVING & spiritual life. discrimination between REAL & UNREAL frees us from the bondage of ignorance and delusion.
2. Establishment of FOUR MUTTS in four corners of India, called Jyothirmutts to serve spiritual needs of ascetic community within Vedantic tradition.

Quoting a few relevant verses from Bhaja Govindam;
भजगोविन्दम् भजगोविन्दम्, गोविन्दम् भज मूढमते । Text 34.
सत्सन्गत्वे निस्स्ञगत्वम् निस्स्ञगत्वे निर्मोहत्वम् ।
निर्मोहत्वे निश्र्चलतत्वम् निश्र्चलतत्वे जीवन्मुक्ति ।। Text 9. It means one should engage in Sat-sang, which takes one towards non attachment to material world, freedom from delusion, leading to Self- Settledness and finally liberation. Text 31 of Bhaja Govindam conveys a few Ethical  practices;

प्राणायामम् पृत्याहारम् नित्यानित्य विवेक विचारम्  । It means that for Ethical  Living, one should regulate Parana, remain unaffected by external influences, discriminate between real and fleeting, think good and pious as well as develop internal peace by silencing turbulent mind. His teachings were a great source of inspiration for the society in leading an Ethical life. His stress on acquiring Knowledge as an vital means of Ethical living can be visualized thru some of these verses of Brahmasutrabhashya.

शास्त्रयोनित्वात् --1.1.3 ie Brahman is realizable only thru acquiring knowledge of sacred scriptures.
तदनुग्रहेतुकेनेव हि ज्ञानेन माेक्षसिदिध्भर्वितुमर्हति ।। -- 2.3.41 ie the attainment of Moksha or liberation is possible indeed thru the knowledge or Gyana, with the grace of Ishwara.

  Vivek Chudamani , specifically states 6 virtues of SELF CONTROL as the ETHICAL FOUNDATION of Spiritual Life.These are (a) Sama, the tranquil state of mind, constantly zeroed on contemplation of the goal after detaching it from myriad sense objects (b)Dama, steering the sense organs of knowledge & action away from their sense objects (c) Uparati, self withdrawal of thought waves, free from the influences of external objects (d) Titiksha, forbearance or the capacity to endure all sorrows/ sufferings without struggling for revenge/ redressal (e) Samadhana, one pointedness towards total contemplation of the ever pure Brahman or concentration of the mind on TRUTH (f) Sraddha, active faith in the Masters and spiritual scriptures. Quoting two verses from this scripture which had enormous impact on ETHICAL LIVING at that time;

सत्यम ज्ञानभनन्तम् ब्रह्म विशुद्धम परम् स्वतः सिद्धम् ।
नित्यानन्दैकरसम् प्रत्यगभिन्नम् निरन्तरम् जयति ।।        ( verse 225 )
It conveyed that BRAHMAN is Existence-- Knowledge-- Absolute, extremely pure, supreme, self existing, eternal, indivisible bliss, not essentially different from inner most self and absolutely without parts.
अहमकारग्रहान्मुक्तः स्वरूपमुपपघते, चन्द्रवदिध्मलः पूर्ण सदानन्दः स्वयमप्रभः ( verse 300) ie once freed from the shackles of EGO ( like moon freed from eclipse), one discovers his true real nature and becomes infinite, ever blissful and self effulgent.

All the five leading philosophers and preachers listed in the opening para agree that Brahman is the cause of the world and that knowledge of Brahman, mainly from spiritual scriptures leads to Moksha, the ultimate goal of life. They only differed in respect of nature of this Brahman, the state of the soul , the means of attaining Moksha  and its causality wrt the universe. Let me state a few distinct ideologies of the other four philosophers and their schools of thought.

According to Sri Ramanuja, Brahman is with attributes and endowed with auspicious qualities. The world and individual souls are essential real constituents of Brahman's nature. The individual soul remains a personality for ever and go thru a state of contraction during Pralay and expansion during Creation. For him, Bhakti is the chief means of final emancipation and not Gyana or knowledge.

  According to Sri Nimbarkacharya, Brahman is both Nirgun and Sagun. The universe is not unreal, but a true manifestation of Parinama of Brahman. The world is identical with and at the same time different with Brahman ( Bheda-Bheda-Vada), just as the water and bubble are same and different in many ways. As per him,there are three equally real and co-eternal realities--- Brahman or controller, CIT or enjoy-er and ACIT or the object enjoyed. The individual souls are part of supreme self, controlled by supreme being. The final salvation can be achieved by Bhakti and for him, the highest object of worship is Rad-ha- Krishna.

According to Sri Madhvacharya, Vishnu is the highest God, the world is real, all living being are dependent on Vishnu for their existence and salvation lies in the soul experiencing its intrinsic joy thru pure/ unsullied love of God. Further, the means of knowledge are sensory perception, inference and reading of holy scriptures.His focus on Strict Dvaitism had five primary elements.

• Jiva and Ishwara are different.
• Jivas and Jadas or non living things are different.
• Jada- Jada Bheda ie two in-animated things are different.
• Jiva-Jiva Bheda ie two Jivas are different.
• Ishwara-- Jada Bheda ie God and in-animate things are different.

According to Sri Vallabhacharya, the soul is  separate from God and realization of God is the ultimate aim of each soul. He established Push-ti Marg ( Push-ti meaning God's grace), another name for pure Bhakti. He had great faith in the Leelas of Lord Krishna--- the Supreme God and his Bhakti. His commentary SHRI BHASHYA has several ways and means for  achievement of this goal. He conveyed that one  should renounce Self- Pride and worldly affection and surrender everything at Lord Krishna's lotus feet.

To sum up the blog, let me state few points which emerge from analysis of these philosophies;

• While the Basic Gyana of Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmsutras, Bhagwat Gita and other spiritual scriptures continued to engross the human society at that time, yet its rationale and constructive criticism for its acceptance in ethical living continued to evolve. Focus also remained on gaining knowledge by reading of these scriptures and contact with learned Gurus.
• Realization of Brahman thru devotion to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna ( Bhakti movement) in order to achieve final salvation and merger of individual soul with Brahman gained momentum. Even Sufism, emerging during this period, had a clear inclination towards devotional path.
• Dharma and Ethical  thinking were greatly impacted by the preaching of these schools of thoughts, both thru the spiritual texts brought out by these philosophers as well as establishment of a few systems for society to follow.

Two relevant English translations/ interpretations of verses from Upanishads are reproduced below to end the blog;

" He who knows Brahman becomes Brahman"   III-2-9, Mundaka Upanishad.

"The wise who know the Atman as bodiless within the bodies, as unchanging among the changing things & as great and omniscient does never grieve"   II-22, Katha Upanishad.

Prominent Learnings from Golden Age of Hinduism II

Hinduism is an inheritance of thought and aspiration, living and moving with the movement of life itself. 
                                                                                        Dr S Radhakrishnan.                    

                                                                                                           
Continuing the thought flow from my earlier blog on major learnings from Golden age Of Hinduism or the period of Gupta empire, let me consolidate the threads on Dharma and ethical living during this period of around 500 BCE- 400 CE. During this period, people had religious freedom, generally people were pious and adhered to Dharma, which was considered to include meeting the requirements of  laws, performing prescribed duties and attempting to follow truth and morality in daily life. Societal norms prescribed eternal values such as honesty, mercy, purity and self restraint for leading an ethical life. This period galvanized Hindu synthesis and first Purana were written during this period.

Brahmanism with two branches Shaivism and Vaishnavism reigned supreme. Old Gods of Vedic period like Surya, Varuna and Indra receded into background and new Gods Prajapati( Brahma ), Vishnu and Mahesh came to the forefront. Since most of Gupta kings were Vaishnavaites, Vishnu became the central figure of worship.Vishnu Purana, a scripture of this period has scores of legends about Lord Vishnu, who was also worshiped as Vasudeva, Janardan and Gobind. Bhagwat Gita became the source of inspiration in this period.

 A code of Law called Vishnu Smriti, also known as DHARMASUTRAS was compiled for aiding both the KING and the Praja in their duties. It spelled out Rituals to be performed by an individual, Punishments for various offences ; Crimes & Penances like fasting, performing ablutions to get out of bad Karma's and crimes etc. Sanskrit language was patronized and several well known scholars flourished during this period. Kalidasa, the great Sanskrit poet & playwright, Vishakhadutta,  Harisena and Bharavi are few such names, who, with their poetry, playwright or lyrics, impacted Dharma as well as Ethical living in the society.

One of the Dharmic literature of around 400 CE titled ABHIDHARMA KOSHA by Vasubandhu on Satvastivadin Buddhism convey requirements of Ethical Living indirectly. It says that individuals are deluded by four evil desires of their views of Self as real, Ignorance of self, self pride and self love. He stressed on positive ethical mental requirements like belief, sense of shame, modesty, absence of coveting, energy, mental peace, equanimity and non injury. A few evil/ negative or unethical mental functions conveyed were hatred, attachment, arrogance, covetousness, false view, anger, enmity, concealment, envy, deception, fraud, pride, injury, high mindedness, disbelief, idleness, forgetfulness, distraction etc.

It is worth sharing a few Ethical Guidelines on DHARMA in a Tamil Classic 'The Kural' by Tiru Valluvar of around 400-500 CE (This Tamil Classic included 133 chapters covering traditional Hindu goals of  DHARMA, ART HA and KAMA.

• Sweet words with a smiling face are more pleasing than a gracious gift.
• Self Control takes one to the Gods, but its lack to utter darkness.
• Always forgive transgressions, but better still forget them.
• The height of wisdom is not to return ill for ill.
• Bear your pain and not pain others.
• Venegence even against a wanton insult does endless damage.
• Punish an evil doer by shaming him with a good deed and forget.
• Do not do to others what you know  has hurt yourself.
• Even at the cost of one's own life, one should avoid killing.
• The world is secure under one whose nature can make friends of foes.
• All virtues are said to be natural to those who acquire character as a duty.
• The pillars of excellence are love, modesty, altruism, compassion, humility and truthfulness.

Let me now share about a major stride in spreading Dharma and Ethical way of living during the period of Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in around 269 BCE in an innovative method of that times. These were known as " Set of Edicts or Dhamma ", a kind of generalized norms of social behaviors and expectations from people, which were a kind of direct communication on views of the Emperor with his subjects. Pillar Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts and Major Rock Edicts were placed at sites that were accessible to large no of people. Ashoka's policy of DHAMMA stressed social responsibility and his own commitment to Dharma & Way of living in society thru these edicts.

Though Ashoka himself, a Buddhist, he never imposed Buddhism on his subjects, which again speak of higher ethics. He also prophesied vegetarianism and stoppage of animal sacrifices as well as celebrations/ ceremonies which generally led to wastage, indiscipline and flow of superstitions. Rock Edicts conveyed all the above besides ethical messages like Tolerance  in life, Importance of maintaining unity, Shunning violence of all kinds, undertaking of Dharmayatras, Practicing morality, Behavior towards friends/ relatives, Observing respect towards Brahmins and seniors etc. He also recruited a new cadre of officers called DHAMMAMAHAMATTAS to implement his policies cited above. The famous ASHOKA CHAKRA is considered as the Wheel of Righteousness.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad, presumably composed by Sage Shvetashvatara in Mauryan period, in around 300 BCE, has several verses on Dharma and Ethical Living. Quoting verse 1, chapter 2;
प्रथमम् मनस्तत्वाय सविता धियम् । ie first harness the mind and the senses to realize the truth. In other words, purity of mind and a life of self control in accordance with rules of Righteousness  is essential for ethical living. Further verse 2, chapter 2 states;
युक्तेन मनसा वयम् देवस्य सवितुः सवे । सुवर्गेयाय शक्त्या ।।
With our minds controlled so as to manifest the self luminous soul, we shall vigorously endeavor for attainment of the supreme bliss.

Another verse 1, chapter 5 conveys  that IGNORANCE is the greatest enemy of practicing Ethical Living  and WISDOM leads to immortality. It further adds that Ethical living demands one to choose the path of DHARMA and GYANA or KNOWLEDGE and shun the path of  ADHARMA. There is a lot of focus  on role of  SELF in ETHICAL LIVING. Quoting verse 12, chapter 3;
महान प्रभुवै पुरूषम सत्यस्यैष प्रवतर्कः सुनिर्मलाभिमाम प्रापि्तमीशानो ज्योतिरव्ययः ।
It conveys that SELF is the mighty LORD. He is the imperishable light that controls everything. He guides the intellect of all beings so as to enable them to achieve the extremely pure state of MUKTI. The chapter 6 of this great text ends with the famous PEACE INVOCATION;

पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदम् पूर्णात् पूर्णमुदच्यते । पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ।। It conveys that the whole universe has come out of whole BRAHMAN, WHO is always full. Ethical living demands faith in BRAHMAN, irrespective of the pressures of time.

Let me end the blog by conveying that this was a consolidation phase of Dharma as well as Ethical Living, besides implementation of several innovative ideas on spread of Dharma/ Ethical living like Edicts during Emperor Ashoka's rule. The next blog is planned to cover the period of Circa 500 CE to Circa 1200 CE, also referred as CLASSICAL PURANIC HINDUISM. To end, let us draw inspiration from the following Quotes on the period of Great Ashoka;

Beloved-of-the-Gods thinks that even those who do wrong should be  forgiven where forgiveness is  possible.
Dhamma is good, but what constitutes Dhamma---- little evil, much good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity.

Prominent learnings from Golden Age Of Hinduism--I

Hinduism insists not on religious conformity but on a spiritual and ethical outlook of life. Hinduism is not a sect but a fellowship of all who accept the law of right and earnestly look for the truth.

                                                      Dr S Radhakrishnan 

                                                                                                                                                                   The classical " Golden Age of Hinduism' refers  to close to the period of history, 400 BCE - 500 CE, more or less coinciding with the period of famous Gupta empire. We shall try to understand the  philosophies and messages propagated by  some of the prominent  philosophers of this period  restricting to my theme covering Dharma and Ethical living. Six orthodox schools, some extending the thoughts  of Vedas as well as Upanishads and while a few others questioning the contents of some of  these scriptures, flourished in this period. These schools of thoughts were namely Sankhya, Purva Mimansa, Uttara Mimansa or Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaiseshika and Yoga. We shall humbly examine some of the messages on Dharma and Ethical Living brought out by these schools of thoughts in this blog, which is 6th in the series.

The central aim of these schools of thoughts is elucidation or illumination on the nature of DHARMA, which at that point of time, was broadly understood as set of rituals, obligations as well as prerogatives to be performed properly. Brahmsutras of Shri Badarayana ( 500 BCE-400 BCE ) in Uttara Mimansa, were intended as memory aids to long discussions on several topics, including essence of relevant arguments and helped systematize the thoughts of Upanishads. It opens with a verse " ATHADO BRAHMA JIGNASA " ie. to focus on systematic exploration of Brahman. Several philosophers/ commentators including S/Sh Sankara, Bhaskara, Ramanuja and others have clarified the subject on the basis of their understanding. As per Sh Sankara, Brahman is Attribute-less, Immutable and Pure Intelligence. However, to Sh Ramanuja and others, Brahman is an essentially personal God possessing infinite benign attributes. But, to all of them, Brahman, the world and the soul are all realities.

 However,Purva Mimansa Sutras of Sage Jamini ( 300-100 BCE ) projected DHARMA as closely associated with virtue, morality and duty. Jamini's Sutras begin with " ATHADO DHARMA JIGNASA " ie focusing on systematic examination or investigation of Dharma. In Jamini's philosophy, Dharma is Karma or the performance of rituals and tasks. It also established six methods of acquiring knowledge for the purpose of defining the notion of duty or Karma, namely Direct Perception ( पृत्यक्ष ) , Inference (अनुमान ), Analogy (उपमा ), Verbal Testimony(शब्द ), Hypothesis (परिकल्पना ) and knowledge by negation (अभाव ).

 My understanding and interpretation is that since Dharma is Karma, it needs to be performed effectively by proper use of knowledge. Even the negation ie what is not seen gives us inputs,  needs to be considered. Karma can not be stopped and so is the communication on what is right and what is wrong for the society. In fact, using knowledge through various means as stated above helped in  correct interpretation and understanding of Dharma.

Sankhya philosophy founded by Sage Kapila regards ignorance as the root cause of all suffering. Due to ignorance,one of the reality of universe, Purusha ( eternal, pure consciousness) identifies itself with Manas, Ego-sense and Ma-hat, which are products of the second reality of universe Prakarti. Such false identification leads to suppression of DHARMA in one's life and eventual progression towards unethical living.

Nyaya school of philosophy is explained in texts known as Nyaya Sutras of Sh A K Sapada Gautama in around 200 CE. While it also talked of four sources of knowledge to be used for Dharma based living namely Perception, Inference, Comparison and Testimony; it did talk of sources of invalid knowledge like Memory ( स्मृति), Doubt (सऩ्शय), Error (अशुद्धता) and Hypothetical reasoning (तर्क).  It emphasized on removal of false knowledge which supports growth of unethical living in society. Only true knowledge leads to salvation. Vaisheshika school founded by Sage Kannada considered Perception and Inference as the means of valid knowledge and over the centuries merged with Nyaya school of thought.

Yoga school was founded by Maharishi Patanjali and has a strong influence on Ethical Living. It talked of अष्टाऩ्ग योग, conveyed in verse 29  of ch 2, Sadhna Pada of Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

यमनियमासन प्राणायाम प्रत्याहारधारणाध्यान समाधयोष्टाव अऩ्गानि । ie यम, नियम,अासन, प्राणायाम, प्रत्याहार, धारणा, ध्यान, समाधि are the eight limbs of Yoga which help in purifying and strengthening of body. However,human beings throughout the universe, also face several hurdles in this path due to the weaknesses of the mind like Avid-ya ( wrong notions of the world ), Asmita ( wrong notions of one self ), Raga ( craving and attachment to sensory objects & affections), Dives-ha ( likes & hatred for objects/ persons and Abinivesha ( the love of life ). In order to spread the roots of Dharma and Ethical living, efforts thru introspection, acquiring knowledge and meditation be constantly made to eradicate these mental obstacles. Samadhi Pada Sutras 33-41 convey ways to cultivate attitudes of friendliness, compassion and calmness in-spite of one being in disturbed state.

Yama ( Ahimsa,, Truthfulness, Non Stealing, Non Lust and Aparigraha) and Niyama (Purity & Cleanliness, Contentment, Austerity, Study & Pursuit of knowledge and Devotion to Guru ) have been briefly explained by me in my first Blog titled " THE EVOLVING PATTERNS " for ETHICAL LIVING. Reinforcing these, let me quote verse 30-32 of Sadhna Pada of Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

अहिन्सासत्यास्ते य ब्रम्हचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः ।ie non killing, truthfulness, non stealing, continence and non receiving are called Yamas.

जातिदेशकालसमयान वच्छिनाः सार्वन्भौमा महाव्रतम । ie for ethical living, every soul, irrespective of nation, country or status must practice these Yamas and Niyamas.

शौचसन्तोष तपः स्वाध्यायेश्र्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः । ie internal and external purification, contentment, mortification, self study of ethical scriptures including those on God are the Niyamas.

 Further, verse 36 of same Pada emphasize the importance of truthfulness for Ethical Living.

सत्यप्रतिष्ठयाम क्रियाफलाश्रयत्वम् । ie by practicing truthfulness, a person acquires the powers of realizing the fruits of KARMAS for himself and others. Another verse 42 of same Pada says;
सन्तोषाद् अनुत्तम  सुखलाभः ie from contentment, one gets happiness.

Verse 24 of Vibhuti Pada of Patanjali Yoga Sutra emphasize the importance of friendship.
मैत्रयादिषु बलानि । ie one gets strength by concentrating on good friendships in life.

Well, one can go on digging reservoirs of knowledge on Dharma and Ethical Living from these sacred scriptures written by eminent philosophers. While DHARMA, through and through, focused on performing duties and obligations or prescribed Karma s, Ethical living called for restraints and observations in life. These scriptures further strengthened the importance of acquiring knowledge, applying judicious discrimination and principles of justice for Dharma based ethical living. This was a very valuable period from ethical growth point of view . We shall throw some more light on the messages of some more philosophers of this Golden Period Of Hinduism in the next blog. Let me end the blog on a beautiful quote by Saint Dnyaneshwara , who preached universal Dharma with harmonious blend of Sadhna, Seva, Bhakti, Swadharma and Vishwadharma.

May the darkness of ignorant disappear,

May the universe see the sun of self consciousness,

May whatsoever aspirations of those be fulfilled,

Of all living beings.