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.

Education, Employment & Economics

All the above three are basically quite independent entities. Education is acquiring knowledge for itself, not necessarily for employment. Newton, Darwin, Faraday & our own Aryabhata, Charaka & Bhaskaracharya did not invent to get employment. Education may also be used for social service without expecting economic benefits.

Similarly to get (manual) employment, one need not be educated. And altruistic employment need not be economically productive, like the social service mentioned above.

Economically being strong need not always require either education or employment for example in the case of inherited wealth.

Such being the case, it is a sign of the times that all three have become intertwined so much that they are viewed as synonymous. And as in the classic case of putting the cart before the horse, money is required to get education. The unfortunate effect of this being, educated people seek employment which promises the best economic reward. This inevitably leads to poor quality of education & inefficiency in employment, money being the only & ultimate goal of life.

This may sound cynical, but when push comes to shove, most people prefer to have money & status, rather than take pleasure in acquiring knowledge or working creatively.