A theorem on Groups and individuals and a brief corollary on music
New York City is becoming increasingly expensive by the day. But it is still possible to watch sunsets for free. And what better way to watch a sunset than in the west? Sitting on a bench by the river, watching people make their ways busily around on steamers and wiping sweat that has accumulated after a good run makes for a pleasurable experience. Today the experience was enhanced by an African band that played on the lawns of Hudson Park. You know how African rhythms are; they vibrate with life, speak of death and bring you back to life again. It makes you want to dance. However, being in a public forum, I was content to tap my foot gently on the grass. But I was so happy to watch other people give themselves to the music. When the singer said, "Jump" they bobbed up and down, fingers in the air like happy pendulums. I borrowed happiness from the actions of the other people. Many of these people belonged to fraternity and sorority houses, a culture I particularly dislike, considering it to be loud and monotonous. However, I was happy to see these people in the crowd dancing away. I realized that life would be very boring, if all people were like me or acted in a manner suited to my liking. In fact, in categorizing them as frat boys or whatever, I was behaving like an Arab towards a Jew or a Jew towards an Arab. This whole thing about forming groups and then flaunting it in everybody's face is bound to arouse hatred in other people. I mean, look at the Republicans. Everyone is everywhere and that's good enough for me.
Though getting back, to the music, Gandhi considered music to be the highest form of art. Gandhi was humble and self confident, and I have no doubt that he would groove to this music, if he were there with me in the park today. Gandhi quotes, "A man without music in him is either an ascetic or a beast." And keeping it real, he says that more often than not, such people are beasts. Gandhi loves the hymns of the Sama Veda. He says that it is impossible to recite the Quran unmusically. He says that David's Psalms transport him to raptures. Indeed he says that the fraternal union found between Hindus and Muslims in music should really be there in all aspects of life.
Ishwar Allah tero naam, sabko sanmati de Bhagwan (You may be called God, or you may be called Allah, just make everyone chill Oh, Lord)
Gandhi is really strong on this hard work ethic. He says the sound ceaseless labor, much like a spinning wheel, should sound like music to our ears. Like Bjork, but less melodramatic, I guess.
I should end now, but there is a flip side to this coin. Gandhi says (and this is before heavy metal ever came out) that some people use music to feed their carnal desires. He quotes from Tulsidas,
"From a mixture of good and evil,
A good man selects the good and rejects the evil,
Much like the fabled swan is said to help himself to cream
Leaving the water in the milk."
I shall look for a slightly overweight swan gliding down the Hudson river, on my every run.
New York City is becoming increasingly expensive by the day. But it is still possible to watch sunsets for free. And what better way to watch a sunset than in the west? Sitting on a bench by the river, watching people make their ways busily around on steamers and wiping sweat that has accumulated after a good run makes for a pleasurable experience. Today the experience was enhanced by an African band that played on the lawns of Hudson Park. You know how African rhythms are; they vibrate with life, speak of death and bring you back to life again. It makes you want to dance. However, being in a public forum, I was content to tap my foot gently on the grass. But I was so happy to watch other people give themselves to the music. When the singer said, "Jump" they bobbed up and down, fingers in the air like happy pendulums. I borrowed happiness from the actions of the other people. Many of these people belonged to fraternity and sorority houses, a culture I particularly dislike, considering it to be loud and monotonous. However, I was happy to see these people in the crowd dancing away. I realized that life would be very boring, if all people were like me or acted in a manner suited to my liking. In fact, in categorizing them as frat boys or whatever, I was behaving like an Arab towards a Jew or a Jew towards an Arab. This whole thing about forming groups and then flaunting it in everybody's face is bound to arouse hatred in other people. I mean, look at the Republicans. Everyone is everywhere and that's good enough for me.
Though getting back, to the music, Gandhi considered music to be the highest form of art. Gandhi was humble and self confident, and I have no doubt that he would groove to this music, if he were there with me in the park today. Gandhi quotes, "A man without music in him is either an ascetic or a beast." And keeping it real, he says that more often than not, such people are beasts. Gandhi loves the hymns of the Sama Veda. He says that it is impossible to recite the Quran unmusically. He says that David's Psalms transport him to raptures. Indeed he says that the fraternal union found between Hindus and Muslims in music should really be there in all aspects of life.
Ishwar Allah tero naam, sabko sanmati de Bhagwan (You may be called God, or you may be called Allah, just make everyone chill Oh, Lord)
Gandhi is really strong on this hard work ethic. He says the sound ceaseless labor, much like a spinning wheel, should sound like music to our ears. Like Bjork, but less melodramatic, I guess.
I should end now, but there is a flip side to this coin. Gandhi says (and this is before heavy metal ever came out) that some people use music to feed their carnal desires. He quotes from Tulsidas,
"From a mixture of good and evil,
A good man selects the good and rejects the evil,
Much like the fabled swan is said to help himself to cream
Leaving the water in the milk."
I shall look for a slightly overweight swan gliding down the Hudson river, on my every run.
Good and Bad Advertising in religion
As in real life there are two types of advertising in religion: good and bad.
Check out this website on the "Bubbling Bliss of Yogic Flying."
http://www.alltm.org/YFlying.html
The guru says that the picture shows "complete mastery of the sky". More than anything it shows a complete absence of Photoshop skills.
Why is this bad advertising? Because in terms of persuasiveness, the overall effect it creates is so immediately striking and fantastic that there is no credibility whatsoever.
In his speeches and articles, Gandhi quotes most extensively from two sources: The Bible and The Gita. Now isn't the Gita, one of India's most religious texts nothing more than a great advertising campaign?
Here is how the Gita plays out:
1) The warrior Arjuna asks Lord Krishna as to how he can go to war against his cousins, uncles and teacher, as they are after all family.
2) Krishna proceeds to deliver what must be one of the most beautiful stream of words to have ever come from a mouth of anyone. He tells Arjuna that the self is eternal and he wouldn't be "killing" his relatives. He tells him of the philosophy of karma and actions without thought of goal. He tells him of the importance of duty. Arjuna listens. Now this stuff, mind you, is strong. Gripping.
However, Arjuna is still unconvinced after all these brilliant observations (which we will examine in relation to Gandhi, Buddha and Jesus at a later time). Arjuna simply can't fathom the thought of killing his own kith and kin. At this point, Krishna reveals his true self. The splendor of the vision is too much for Arjuna. He removes his headgear, kneels down and says:
"I am able to see O Lord , in Your divine body all the gods and living entities. Also Brahma, the creator sitting in the lotus flower, all the sages and many divine serpents. I am seeing innumerable hands, bellies, mouths, and eyes. You are indeed every where with an unending form. O Lord of the Universe, I am unable to see the beginning, the middle and the end of Your universal form. With Your crown, mace and weapon, Your effulgence is glowing in all directions, It is difficult for me to see your brilliance that is blazing everywhere like that of the sun which is immeasurable.".. and a lot more.
Arjuna is totally convinced and does as per Krishna's bidding from this point onward. Now this is a good advertisement (who's aim is to persuade) because Krishna leads up to the final grand vision, which he knows will convert Arjuna, only after a series of brilliant, flawless and factual arguments.
That is my observation for the day. This is also my advice to all creative folks at ad agencies. Speak of the engine first. Then, only in the end, show the hot chick sitting on the leather seats.
Gandhi would surely agree, that especially in poor countries, what keeps many people behind is proper and complete information. These begin to hurt, especially when the matter at hand has to do with food, health, education, shelter, rights and duties.
As in real life there are two types of advertising in religion: good and bad.
Check out this website on the "Bubbling Bliss of Yogic Flying."
http://www.alltm.org/YFlying.html
The guru says that the picture shows "complete mastery of the sky". More than anything it shows a complete absence of Photoshop skills.
Why is this bad advertising? Because in terms of persuasiveness, the overall effect it creates is so immediately striking and fantastic that there is no credibility whatsoever.
In his speeches and articles, Gandhi quotes most extensively from two sources: The Bible and The Gita. Now isn't the Gita, one of India's most religious texts nothing more than a great advertising campaign?
Here is how the Gita plays out:
1) The warrior Arjuna asks Lord Krishna as to how he can go to war against his cousins, uncles and teacher, as they are after all family.
2) Krishna proceeds to deliver what must be one of the most beautiful stream of words to have ever come from a mouth of anyone. He tells Arjuna that the self is eternal and he wouldn't be "killing" his relatives. He tells him of the philosophy of karma and actions without thought of goal. He tells him of the importance of duty. Arjuna listens. Now this stuff, mind you, is strong. Gripping.
However, Arjuna is still unconvinced after all these brilliant observations (which we will examine in relation to Gandhi, Buddha and Jesus at a later time). Arjuna simply can't fathom the thought of killing his own kith and kin. At this point, Krishna reveals his true self. The splendor of the vision is too much for Arjuna. He removes his headgear, kneels down and says:
"I am able to see O Lord , in Your divine body all the gods and living entities. Also Brahma, the creator sitting in the lotus flower, all the sages and many divine serpents. I am seeing innumerable hands, bellies, mouths, and eyes. You are indeed every where with an unending form. O Lord of the Universe, I am unable to see the beginning, the middle and the end of Your universal form. With Your crown, mace and weapon, Your effulgence is glowing in all directions, It is difficult for me to see your brilliance that is blazing everywhere like that of the sun which is immeasurable.".. and a lot more.
Arjuna is totally convinced and does as per Krishna's bidding from this point onward. Now this is a good advertisement (who's aim is to persuade) because Krishna leads up to the final grand vision, which he knows will convert Arjuna, only after a series of brilliant, flawless and factual arguments.
That is my observation for the day. This is also my advice to all creative folks at ad agencies. Speak of the engine first. Then, only in the end, show the hot chick sitting on the leather seats.
Gandhi would surely agree, that especially in poor countries, what keeps many people behind is proper and complete information. These begin to hurt, especially when the matter at hand has to do with food, health, education, shelter, rights and duties.
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