Medical & Spiritual Terminology

In Medical terminology, there are three types of drugs:

1.⁠ ⁠Prophylactic, which prevent the occurence of the disease, for example, vaccines.

2.⁠ ⁠Palliative, which alleviate the symptoms, without actually curing the disease. These are usually prescribed for patients with terminal diseases.

3.⁠ ⁠Therapeutic, which can actually cure the disease.

In Hinduism, the world & family life is sometimes viewed as a terrible disease. "Samsara sagare ghore" says Radha Stuti, a devotional text. In early & medieval Christianity also the world was viewed as "A Vale of Tears." In John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress", Christian flees from "The City of Destruction", a metaphor for worldly life.

However, most have hankering for worldly life but not for the irksome parts of it. The temple runs, religious rituals & pilgrimages are believed to cater to these. These are similar to the palliative drugs which relieve some sufferings but do nothing to cure the underlying worldliness.

For those who have lost the attraction of this world, spiritual practices are recommended to get the grace of God. These are like the therapeutical drugs which actually try to cure the disease of worldliness.

Those who successfully pass the test of non-attachment to sensory objects, can be compared to those who have imbibed prophylactic drug which protects them from ever getting the virus of worldliness. The Hindus attain Mukti (liberation from the cycle of birth & death), the Buddhists "Nibbana" (Nirvana) & the Christians Salvation (The Celestial City in "The Pilgrim's Progress").

Miracles in Christianity & Hinduism

Catholics believe in miracles. In fact one of the criteria for canonisation (declaring a person to be a Saint) is a verifiable miracle. However, C. S. Lewis (Narnia) in his book on miracles, argues that Incarnation of God (as Christ) is the central miracle. As an Anglican, he chooses to be silent on the miracles attributed to later human saints.

Hinduism recognises ten divine incarnations & also accepts miracles are possible for others also. For example, by doing yogic practices, Ashtasiddhis are believed to be obtained. These are:

1. Anima (reducing one's size)
2. ⁠Mahima (increasing one's size)
3. ⁠Garima (becoming heavier)
4. ⁠Laghima (becoming lighter, levitate)
5. ⁠Prapti (materialise objects)
6. ⁠Prakamya (fulfill any desire)
7. ⁠Ishitva (control of nature)
8. ⁠Vasitva (control of others' mind)

Some or all of these powers may also accrue to those performing spiritual practices to attain liberation (Moksha). However, they are advised not to use them, as, in that case, their spiritual journey will be impeded.

Life Lessons from the Audiophile Industry

When digital technology invaded audio industry in the form of Compact Discs, it was hailed as a quantum jump over the existing Vinyl Analog technology.

All parameters like wider frequency response, higher dynamic range & lower S/N ratio were promised & delivered.

But in a matter of few decades, audiophiles realised something very important was missing, namely listening pleasure. So most went back to analog vinyl LPs with a vengeance, avoiding digital technology like the plague.

A little introspection will reveal such a rethinking is desirable in at least three human endeavours.

Firstly the justice system. The prosecutor (with a binary, digital, mindset of only two options, true or false) proceeds to paint the accused in the blackest colour, with no redeeming virtue. The defending attorney rebuts by picturing the defendant as lily white, both being logical absurdities in a human being.

Secondly in the political system, it is mandatory for party members to proclaim that their party can do no wrong, such evil being the opposition's birthright! Another digital inspired fallacy.

Thirdly & most regrettably, all religions consider their own as true & divine, the false & demonic being essential in other religions! A most irrational (binary) belief indeed.

It is high time for all right thinking people to avoid the polarising digital dogmatic thinking & follow the audiophile's world view of an inclusive analog vision of the whole spectrum of colours, including infinite grades of grey.