मुफ्त की नसीहत

 साथी चलती जा

उस राह पर 

जो तुमने अपने लिये खोजी थी

हां जरूर थोडी घुटन तो होगी

हां जब देखोगी, सोचोगी, समझोगी

सवाल तो उठेंगे 

कभी अपने आप पर, कभी हालातों पर

मगर याद रख ये सफर है मंझिल नही

थोडी घुटन तो जरूर होगी

ना सोच उसे जो शायद अब खो दिया,

शुकर है की राह में

उन पलों को जी भर के जी लिया

चलना तेरी प्रकृती है, रुकना नही

आगे बढना है, थोडी घुटन तो जरूर होगी

वो आरजू तो आज भी है,

उडने की, उन्ही आसमानो में 

जो तुम्हे मुस्कुराकर पुकारते हैं

तू फिर चल, ये राह तुझे फिर गले लगायेगी

हां, कुछ पलों की घुटन तो होगी

दो पल ठहेर जा, उस मोड पर

जो शायद आज तुझे अंजान नजर आता है

फिर चलना है, दौडना है और थकना भी है

जाना जो है, जिंदगी की तरफ, रुह की तरफ.

पल दो पल की घुटन जरूर होगी

MUMBAI'S URBAN TRANSPORT: PRESENT & THE WAY FORWARD

URBAN TRANSPORT

Overview:

Urban Transportation Systems are considered as the pre-eminent arteries to bring all round development of any geographical region. According to WHO report on Urban Population Growth (2015), 54% of the world’s population live in urban areas[1] and it continues to grow at a rapid rate. In India, 31.16% population lives in urban areas[2] which is much lesser in comparison of the world average of 54%. However, being one of the fastest developing economies, India has seen the tremendous growth of urban areas in last few decades. Rapid urbanization puts excessive stress on urban services hampering the qualitative growth. Transport system, a chief driver of development, should be given an appropriate attention to ensure uninterrupted and smooth development of any urban area.

This paper attempts to examine the status of Urban Transport in India. The main theme of the paper is to analyse the empirical issues of Urban Transport System in Mumbai and suggest the solutions to move towards more efficient, sustainable and convenient urban transport system which will take us a few steps forward in achieving ultimate goals of economic development and public welfare.

The Present Situation:

Mumbai, lying on the Konkan coast in West India has population of over 22 million and stands as the most populous urban agglomeration in the country[3]. . Although it has all the chief means of transport, the entire available infrastructure is being overburdened making it difficult to cope up with the rising demand of the population. Public transport mainly facilitates the movement of people in the city with over 80% commuters relying on it[4]. Mumbai Suburban Railway, commonly referred as ‘Mumbai Locals’ are the backbone of city’s transportation system carrying over 8 million commuters on daily basis[5]. To offer a little relief to the overburdened railways, network of Monorail and Metrorail is being extended in the city. Another important means of transport is the Bus service operated by Brihan-Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) which carries around 2.8 million commuters on a daily basis. Taxis and Rickshaws are also inseparable threads of the City’s transport network.

Apart from the public transport defining the picture of Mumbai’s Transport, urban sprawl in the surrounding regions has also increased the role of Private Transport. The number of private vehicles in Mumbai is near 2.5 million[6]. In recent years, private taxi operators like Ola, Uber have also entered in the picture as a viable option of daily transport. Although the transport system appears to be wide and efficient, but in reality all the above means are proving to be insufficient and inefficient. The city’s transport has many lacunas and shortcomings which eventually slow down the process of achieving ultimate goals of all round development and public welfare.

Major problems associated with Urban Transport:

Heavy traffic and congestion is the problem associated with every industrialised region and Mumbai is not an exception. It occurs when transport infrastructure is unable to accommodate the volume of movements by people and vehicles. It varies with time, with overloaded traffic during ‘rush hours’. Increase in use of private cars, commercial vehicles, inadequacy of roads, and lack of traffic discipline are some other factors contributing to congestion in traffic movement.

Inadequate Public Transport, which fails to cope up with increasing population, adds to the problem of transport in Mumbai. Railways are overcrowded during rush hours making it difficult for children and elderlies to travel during that time. According to data released by Government Railway Police (GRP) in response to an RTI query, around 3000 people are losing their lives every year on railway track which takes Mumbai to the top of the list of cities accounting highest number of railway deaths[7]. Mumbai’s public transport has halted due to several reasons like collapsing of Railway Bridges, Water logging etc. which highlights the problems with infrastructure in public transport.

The Environmental and Health Impact created by urban transport is another major problem which is borderless affecting the lives of nearby regions too. Increase in atmospheric pollution, especially noise pollution and air pollution are the consequences of inadequate policies of urban transport. Emitted fumes from vehicles contain pollutants which have harmful impacts on human health.

All these concerns have deep impact on country’s economy and human capital. Right steps must be taken in order to prevent the loss and make the urban transport as effective as possible which will be in the interest of nation in all ways.

Solutions for Efficient Urban Transport in Mumbai:

The ultimate aim of any infrastructural planning is keeping in mind future demands and raising the capital in such a way that it will cope up with the needs of future, not merely the present. There can be many solutions to deal with the above mentioned problems. Some ideas are listed below.

1. Making Executive more Accountable through Democratic Cards:

Maintenance of infrastructure is essential for keeping urban transport smooth and reliable. Condition of road infrastructure in Mumbai is really substandard due to poor material used. Potholes on roads lead to slowing down traffic and also it leads to road accidents. Risk sometimes becomes fatal especially in case of two wheeler riders. Maintenance of Roads within the city is responsibility of Municipal Corporation. The tools of Direct Democracy could be implemented in modified manner to increase accountability of executive towards citizens. To make corporators more responsible, citizens should be given more rights.

There shall be a concrete way for citizens to reach to the corporator for making complaints about potholes on roads. Citizens by showing Yellow Card to the corporator will give him the limited time frame within which roads should be repaired. Failing to comply with that limit, citizen will have right to show the corporator Red Card, which will end his tenure and the candidate from opposition will serve the area for remaining tenure as a corporator. Although this may lead to instability in local self-governments in the initial years, but it will ensure that the public office is more accountable to the people.

2. Multi Layered Flyovers / Overpasses:

Infrastructural development and planning which includes widening of roads is necessary to deal with the problem of congestion in Mumbai. However, to implement that, land acquisition becomes the major challenge in front of government. Multi Layered flyovers can be introduced in Mumbai which will ease the traffic jams without the need of acquiring more land. It is the system of ‘flyover over flyovers’ where the topmost flyover could be the road for light vehicles, middle one could be the Metro line and the bottommost road will be used by heavy vehicles. Although it will put a pressure on government funds to raise such infrastructure, but it can be the solution in long term to deal with Mumbai’s transport problems.

3. Eliminating the concept of Rush Hours:

In Mumbai, most number of households are engaged in service sector. Concentration of big corporate houses, Government offices, industries in South Mumbai leads to one directional traffic movement during office hours. As a result of this, trains are overcrowded during Rush Hours and mostly run empty in afternoons and late nights. As an instant solution to the above problem, government and private offices may collectively consider to modify the office timings in such a way that the pressure on transport mediums will be equally distributed. This will result in optimum use of available resources.

4. Promotion of Inland Waterways:

Mumbai, being an island city has strong network of inland water channels. It has numerous creeks covering area of approximately 71 sq kms[8]. The island city has Vasai creek in the North and Thane creek in the East. Mahul creek, Mahim creek and Gorai creek are other important creeks. Strong network of inland water channels could be utilised to connect Eastern and Western suburbs thereby giving a little relief to commuters travelling in overcrowded trains.

5. Promotion of Public Transport, Eco-Friendly Transport & Car pools:

Promotion of public transport and car pools will keep a check on traffic congestion with fewer vehicles on road facilitating smooth movement of transport. It will result in saving of fuel cost, time and energy of commuters. Apart from this, bicycle use should be promoted for short distance journeys. Government as well as private bodies, societies can take initiative to implement this policy.

Conclusion:

The above mentioned solutions demand for  structural changes, behavioural changes as well as some infrastructural changes. In economic sense, they may incur a cost of investment for the government in a short run, but these measures will certainly improve the efficiency of urban transport in Mumbai. Also, such investments bring development in a long term. In a political context, Government of India is devoted to achieve the directive of public welfare. Implementing policies to strengthen urban transport will prove to be a major step in achieving India’s goal of all-round development.

---

[1] http://www.who.int/gho/urban_health/situation_trends/urban_population_growth/en/

[2] 2011 India census data

[3] https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/5-most-populated-cities-in-india

[4] http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/mumbai-urban-transport-project

[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41813631

[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Vehicles-in-Mumbai-increase-by-more-than-half-in-seven-years/articleshow/33570794.cms

[7] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/3014-commuters-killed-on-mumbai-railway-tracks-in-2017-rti/articleshow/62663578.cms

[8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mangrove-makeovers-could-save-greenery/articleshow/12565500.cms?

Delhi Diaries : Still A Long Way to Go!

Delhi Diaries : Still A Long Way to Go!

The lovely evening was a usual time to rethink;
Amidst all the worries,
He was walking with peace,
The same garden which unconditionally offered him bliss.

Sunrise does nothing more but completes his sleep,
The only thing bangs in his mind to take the bag and rush to the library
Newspaper there is his best friend,
And their story is never gonna end

Discussions now sound like an academic hogwash,
Knowing the limitations has broadened the horizons
He vividly remembers the day
When he had found this way

The stay here taught him to enjoy rather than to accept
He could stand at times when actually nothing was left

Results may not bring the true measures,
But they will shape the situations;
Positive will bring out good and negative bad,
The strength around him certainly will depend on that

Goal attracts him
Challenges tease him
Success lures him
Ambition strengthens him,
Beyond all this one thing he does know,
For him, anyway, theres still a long way to go!

Pankaj Ghuge

चांदण्यातल्या भेटीगाठी

चांदण्यातल्या भेटीगाठी

आज पाहता तुज मनसुमन हे मोहरले

चांदणे जसे हे पृथ्वीवरी अवतरले...

भासे तुझे ते रूप अतीव मनोहर

नयन पाचूं वर पापण्यांची मृदू झालर

अन गाली मंद स्मिताचा तो अखंड निर्झर

एकाच रूपी जणू अवघे स्वप्न नगर वसले

चांदणे जसे हे पृथ्वीवरी अवतरले

उमगले मन हे निरागस सदा निर्मळ

अलगद उमलले जेव्हा ओठिचे ते कमळ

स्वरवृष्टी जाहली ती अपूर्व मंजुळ

कोमल स्पर्शाने तव पुष्पही लाजले

चांदणे जसे हे पृथ्वीवरी अवतरले

आनंद तरंगांचा तो अगम्य प्रहर

प्रेमसागराशी एकरूप ती भावनिक लहर

शब्दांपलिकडे बोलली आज ती बोलकी नजर

आठवण येता ती मन सहज शहारले

चांदणे जसे ते पृथ्वीवरी अवतरले

भेट ती क्षणिक परी सुखद

देऊन मुठीत तो आठवणींचा गंधप्रमोद

वेळ ती सुंदर निसटली जलद

घेता निरोप ते आनंद विश्व संथ झाकोळले

काही क्षण चांदणे आज पृथ्वीवरी अवतरले..

                                                       पंकज घुगे

पुढे जाताना...

पुढे जाताना...

सहज जीवनाची टाकुन ही कात

नव्या विश्वाची नवी सुरुवात...

प्रवास इथवरचा होता न्यारा 

कसेही धडपडताना मात-पित्याचा अखंड सहारा

अखेर सोडत तो विश्वासू काठ
नव्या विश्वाची नवी ही सुरुवात

होतो आम्ही अत्यंत भाग्यवान 

लाभले आम्हास ते गुरुजन महान

तया ज्ञान दीपाने उजळवीत प्रकाशवाट

नव्या विश्वाची नवी ही सुरुवात

लेक्चर्स पासून कैंटीन पर्यंतची अल्लड  ती दोस्ती खरी

अगदीच जवळची ती चहाची उधारी

गोड त्या सर्व आठवणीना मारत गाठ

नव्या विश्वाची नवी ही सुरुवात

कसा गं सहन होईल तो विरह

जेथे न स्पर्शिले कोणतेच कलह

होईल विरळ ती सवयीची भेट

नव्या विश्वाची नवी ही सुरुवात

स्पर्धयुगाची नवी ही ओळख 

चंदेरी वाटेत तो भ्रष्टाचाराचा काळोख

संकटांवर करुनी साऱ्या मात 

नव्या विश्वाची नवी ही सुरुवात

पंकज घुगे

Is Demand for Separate Vidarbha Justifiable?

One, who studies the social, economical & especially political developments in Maharashtra, constantly comes across the study of movement for Separate Vidarbha State. Neither Government, nor political leaders and local leaders from Vidarbha have been successful in resolving this issue. The movement has long history, strong following and strong reasoning from the region. The issue needs to be resolved; otherwise it may come out as one of the major obstacles in the path of development of present Maharashtra.

However, one needs to understand that, the Vidarbha Movement, i.e. Demand for separate Vidarbha state didn’t emerge overnight. To make a firm, unbiased and well studied opinion about the movement we need to go through the demographic, geographical, economic & political reasons which have still kept the movement alive.

Vidarbha (97,321 sq.kms) occupies around 31.6% of total area of Maharashtra and has population of 23 million according to 2011 census. It is the Eastern region of Maharahtra under administration of Amravati and Nagpur Divisions.  The region comprises of 11 districts (Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Gondiya, Yavatmal, Vashim, Buldhana, Wardha). The region is dominated by Marathi speaking people. However, Hindi, Gondi and other tribal languages are common in the region.

Mentioning this factual data becomes important as because the proposed state of Vidarbha corresponds to this demographic structure.

The roots of Vidarbha Movement can be traced back in the British History. In 1853, British formed the ‘Nagpur Province’ with Nagpur as its capital. In 1861, central province was formed with addition of Chhattisgarh & Chindwara. Nagpur remained Capital of this region. By 1903, Berar was also brought under the control of Commissioner of Central province. By the Government of India Act, 1935 Central Province & Berar was given a status of the ‘State’. Even after independence, the region was renamed as Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur enjoyed the status of capital. The people of the region were never under the umbrella of Bombay state. These developments created a sense of independent identity among the inhabitants.

After the linguistic reorganization of states, Vidarbha was made a part of Maharahtra state, mainly due to the interference of congress leaders from Western Maharashtra. With this development, Nagpur became the first city in independent India which lost the state capital status. It is during this period, the movement rooted firmly in the region. With the ‘Nagpur Pact’ localities could see a ray of hope of having equal opportunities of development with the western region. However, Vidarbha Movement is still alive because it is claimed that no clause of the ‘Nagpur Pact’ has ever been followed by the Government of Maharashtra.

Economic backwardness of the region can be seen as the most important cause behind the movement. 65% of the population depends upon the agriculture. Lack of irrigation facilities & other technological advancements make the region totally dependent upon regular (actually ‘irregular’) monsoon rainfall. With the poor rainfall of around 400-600 mm, farmers suffer a huge loss. To overcome, they take loans and fail to repay which has unfortunately resulted into indebtedness of peasants. The vicious circle doesn’t end here! Due to the constant indebtedness, Vidarbha has become infamous for large number of farmer’s suicides. Government schemes continue to fail and thus the discontent among the people for inefficient & ignorant political system adds fuel to the demand for separate state.

While Western Maharashtra, Marathwada continue to prosper with industrial development at large level, Vidarbha has remained backward in this context too. Electricity & water are two most important components of any industry. Vidarbha is surplus in electricity. Also, East Vidarbha gets ample amount of rainfall, but due to the improper water management, it is not being utilized properly. Employment opportunities can be provided to the youth in vidarbha through development in industrial sector, but unfortunately these things generally remain ignored. State as well as Center is equally passive about this issue.   

  Back to the argument with some statistical analysis, Vidarbha possesses 2/3^rd of Maharashtra’s mineral resources, 3/4^th  of forest resources & is a net producer of ‘power’. Still it is economically poor. Followers of Vidarbha Movement claim that if Vidarbha is given the status of independent state, it can attain prosperity with caring and efficient government.

Ample amount of political reasons further strengthen the movement for Separate Vidarbha. Nobody can deny that the politics of Maharashtra is mainly dominated by western Maharashtra and somewhere Marathwada. Lack of political will, constant ignorance by the government, weak policies & ineffective implementation add to the plight of Vidarbha. More so, despite of having had chief ministers and other important political leaders from the region, basic demands of the region have not yet been fulfilled.

To cut a long story short, Vidarbha which is bestowed with the vast territory, large population, distinct culture, richness in resources and tourism attractions, is facing problems due to ineeficiency of political system. Hence, the demand for separate state cannot be declared as totally irrational.

However, despite of rationality of demand, the solution,i.e. separate state seems to be irrational, incomplete and immature. The fact is disheartening that the problems of localites are being politicized by the leaders of movement. Unfortunately, instead of paying attention towards resolving the issues, they are being considered as the ‘source of power’.

It seems that Vidarbha Movement is being driven by ‘Power Approach’ instead of ‘Developmental Approach’.

Secondly, the movement is based on the false notion that independent Vidarbha state will be totally self reliant. It cannot be so! For e.g. Natural resources in the region will need an industrial belt of Western Maharashtra as its processor as well as buyer. Because one must notice that the demand for natural mineral wealth of Vidarbha mainly comes from central and Western Maharashtra. Also, it is important to note that Maharashtra, having second largest territory, is one of the most advanced states in India considering the cultural, social, political as well as economic factors.

Another important point which I would like to bring your notice is the present political scenario in Maharashtra. With having Devendra Phadanvis as Honorable Chief Minister, there are also political representatives from the region like Sudhir Mungantiwar, Nitin Gadkari who are managing the important portfolios in the state and central cabinet. Hence, it is pretty clear that there is sufficient political representation from the region. As we have discussed before, strong political will can make a drastic change in conditions of Vidarbha.

Along with strong political will, there can be suggested few measures or steps which can be taken for the overall growth and development of Vidarbha:

1.     Joint initiative should be taken by the state and central government as well as financial institutions to ensure prosperity of farmers. For that, low interest loans, direct aids, advanced technology in subsidized rates can be provided

2.     Encouragement for adoption of allied activities with agriculture

3.     Increase in political representation and active participation from Vidarbha

4.     Establishment of independent government authorized group or association seeking the purpose of developed Vidarbha

5.     Creating the investment friendly environment to encourage economic activities

6.     Step towards transforming Vidarbha as a tourism attraction

7.     Encouragement to the ‘Make in India’ policy by providing positive concessions

8.     Single Window Clearance system for reputed and authorized companies

9.     Development of IT parks

10. Special agency to monitories economic development

To put my argument in simple words, merely giving the recognition to Vidarbha as independent state cannot solve the problems of the region. Despite of having considerable number of representatives, Vidarbha has remained backward. There are possibilities of further degradation in status of Vidarbha if these leaders do not take effective steps for growth after getting the recognition  as independent state.  If purely economic and social prosperity is the concern, it can be attained under the same roof i.e. Present Maharahtra with greater assuarance.

As presently there are many able leaders from Vidarbha are enjoying authority over very important portfolios, it is indeed a great opportunity and platform for development of Vidarbha, the beautiful eastern region of Maharashtra!   

   Pankaj Ghuge.

          

  

Meditation: India's Spiritual Gift to the World

Introduction

The human history has been running through the path of development since its beginning. Mankind with its unique intellectual power has explored new things. All man's tools dwellings & weapons, all the means of his comfort & discomfort have arisen from his will and knowledge which produce actions. This path of life contains errors & corrections. Among many of primary errors, there is one error which is yet to be corrected. Man looks development through environmental context. He generally never takes any efforts to look inside his self. However, there have been some minds of finer that have looked at themselves & made the discovery of the true self.

Great Rishis from Ancient India had a spiritual centre to their daily beings from which they derived the tranquil light that helped them to shape the vision of a different humanity.

Meditation

One may look for things with the help of light but where is the light with which one may search for the inner light?  Which is the eye wherewith one may see the eye itself?

          

The state of consciousness in which I knows I is called Meditation.

There are different theories in accordance with the word ‘Meditation’. According to some scholars the word Meditation derives from Latin verb ‘meditari’ which means to think to research. There are also some researchers who opine that it has derived from Sanskrit word ‘medha’ meaning sagacity or the source of knowledge.

Ordinarily, all living creatures remain aware of only three states of mind: waking, dreaming & sleeping. With the help of Meditation, one can attain fourth state which is called ' Turiya '. Meditation is an inward way of fathoming all the levels of consciousness, from where consciousness flows on various degrees & grades. Meditation is the tradition of the ancient sages of the Vedic Period which does not oppose modern sciences.

The 6^th chapter from Hindu sacred text, Bhagwat Gita, has references of meditation where lord Krushna tells Arjun the techniques & benefits of Meditation. 

“Yatroparamate chittam niruddham yogsevaya

Yatra chaivatmanatmanam pashyannatmani tushyati”

Sukhamatyantikam yat tad buddhigrahyamatindriyam

Vetti yatra na chaivayam sthitashchalati tattvatah

Bhagwat Gita (6.20 & 21)

With help of “Dhyanyoga”, mind of the “Sadhaka” attains the trait of self denial i.e. asceticism,here he starts experiencing nonduality and self realization.

At this stage of meditation yogi acquires the “Aatmasukha”which is eternal rejoice & divine bliss.

                                                                        

                                                                            

History

The origin of meditation can be traced to 5000 years back in Vedic Civilization. Archaeological Surveys reveal that the seals & figures in a meditation posture of yoga in the Indus Valley Civilization dates back to 3000 B.C. Archaeological surveys & evidents prove that the meditation has its origin in the Valley of Indian Subcontinent & has influenced Hindu Religion. Statue of several deities in Hindu Religion can be found in meditation posture or Mudras. The well known example would be images of Lord Shiva. In ancient period, around 500 B.C. Lord Buddha was the greatest advocate of meditation. Buddha is regarded as the icon of Meditation. He took the path of meditation in attaining enlightenment & which he attained successfully.

The references of meditation are found in Hindu Scriptures mainly from India, China & Japan.  In the sacred texts of Hindu Religion the scholars have found the references of Meditation. The earliest references are found in Rig Veda. Patanjali, an ancient Indian sage explained the “Samkhya” philosophy where he has preached Yoga Sutra, techniques & benefits of Yoga. The ancient literature texts of Hindus, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita and Upnishadas have references about meditation.

  Patanjali, Shankarachrya, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Shri Sharada Devi, Swami Vivekananda have enriched & spread the Indian Meditation across the globe.

Samkhya Philosophy says,

“Through intensity of Meditation there come to the 'Purush', all the powers of Nature."

Upnishadas:

“Whoever among men attains greatness here on earth seems to have attained a share

of Meditation. Thus, while small people are quarrelsome & abusive, great men appear

to have obtained a share of Meditation."

According to the philosophies of “Vedanta” & “Yoga” is something more than concentration.  We get to know about the mechanism of meditation those times through the literary work.  The mechanism by which “Self Realization " occurred was a closely kept secret that was handed down from a Guru to his disciple after long penances, discipline & purification.

The techniques and knowledge of the meditation was in Sanskrit till 12th century and apparently Saint Poet Dnyaneshwar took the permission from his Guru to translate those sacred texts into vernacular language, Prakrut Marathi. In that way the tradition of mysticism and meditation began within the populace India.

In around 1960s, the art of meditation had been introduced to western world by Indian Advocates. Western countries have accepted the importance of India originated Meditation for self realization, reducing stress, anxiety, anger & to enhance positive thinking.

Types of Meditation

Vipassana

Among the various types of Meditation in the world today, the Vipassana method taught by S.N.Goenka is unique. This technique is a simple, logical way to achieve real peace of mind & to lead a happy, useful life. Long preserved in Burma, Vipassana itself contains nothing of a sectarian nature & can be accepted & applied by people of any background. It is becoming popular as Mindfulness in the western world.

Vipassana meditation has its origin in India. Vipassana means “insight” in the ancient Pali language in India. It is the essence of the teaching of the Buddha. It is the actual experience of the truths he spoke. Vipassana is the technique extraordinary in its simplicity, its lack of all dogma & above all in the result it offers.

Although Vipassana Meditation comes from India, it was preserved in countries like Burma & Myanmar. S.N. Goenka learnt this technique from Sayagyi U ba Khin. In 1969, he became authorized teacher of Vipassana. In the same year, came to India & started teaching Vipassana here, reintroducing this technique into the land of its origin.

Vipassana Meditation is taught in courses of ten days, open to anyone who wishes to learn the technique & who is fit to do so physically and mentally. During these ten days, participants remain within the area of the course site having no contact with the outside world. For the entire period of the course they follow a basic code of morality which includes celibacy & absentention from all intoxicants. They also maintain silence among themselves although they are free to discuss meditation problems with the teacher & material problem with management. During the first three days participants practice an exercise of mental concentration. Further steps within the practice are introduced each day, so that by the end of the course, the entire technique has been presented in outline.

Certainly, the technique agrees with the instructions of Buddha on meditation, with the simplest, most literal meaning of his words. Most importantly, it provides results that are good, personal, tangible & immediate.

Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation is the type of meditation which became popular in later half of 20th century. It has its origins in India. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique & Transcendental Movement in India in 1950s. It is the Mantra meditation. During 1955 to 1965, Maharishi spread technique of Transcendental Meditation through the series of world tour. Transcendental Meditation became more popular in 1960s & 1970s. By the end of the 20th century, Transcendental Meditation had been taught to millions of people & the worldwide Transcendental Meditation organization had grown to include education programs, health products & related services. Transcendental Meditations the pure technique of transcendental- setting to the simplest most powerful state of awareness- untainted by any mind control or thought process.  

Transcendental Meditation technique has been described as both religious and non-religious, as an aspect of a new religious movement as rooted in Hinduism & as non-religious practice of self development. Transcendental Meditation is taught by the certified teachers of Transcendental Meditation Organization.

Here’s the basic technique of Transcendental Meditation.

Transcendental Meditation is done generally in the quiet room where person can live alone for at least 25-30 minutes. If it is a night, lights are to be put dim and candle burning. A person sits comfortably on chair or lie down on the bed with hand at his sides, in completely relaxed position. As we have already discussed, Transcendental Meditation is Mantra Meditation, the person meditating breaths deeply and repeats the Mantra, Ohm Mane Padme Ohm… The mantra has come from Tibet. After repeating it for several times, you will attain “Alpha State” where you will feel as there are no problems in the world.

Transcendental Meditation gives a sense of deep peace & tranquility. Your muscles & nerves become completely relaxed & under perfect control.

In the book “The Miracle Power of Transcendental Meditation”, Norvell has described the technique & the power of Transcendental Meditation with including experiences of common people.

Vedanta Philosophy & Yoga Philosophy

Yoga & Vedanta philosophy has references about meditation. According to Vedanta, Meditation is intense Mental Worship. Vedanta terms this as Upasana. Individuality is the product of Maya. The goal of Vedanta is to awaken the individual from the hypnotic belief in his embodiment caused by forgetfulness of the self.

According to Vedanta, the seeker of self knowledge must be established in the practice of fourfold discipline by which he or she becomes fit for the Meditation.

1.   Discrimination between real & unreal :

It goes beyond the obvious & the apparent & recognizes that what appears to be true is not true in fact.

2.   Dispassion :

Giving up all the desires.

3.   Mastery over six virtues :

      (a) Control of Mind

      (b) Control over Senses

      (c) Withdrawal of the mind from senses

      (d) Fortitude

      (e) Faith in the words of the spiritual teachers & scriptures

      (f). Concentration

4.   Liberation from all bondage

In the same way, Yoga philosophy advocates Eightfold path to attain goal of Self Realization.

1.   Restraint ( Yama)

2.   Discipline (Niyama)

3.   Posture (Asana)

4.   Control of Breath (Pranayama)

5.   Withdrawal of Mind (Pratyagraha)

6.   Concentration (Dharana)

7.   Meditation  ( Dhyana)  

8.   Absorption  (Samadhi )

The Vedanta & Yoga are ancient Indian philosophies. There is another Philosophy, “Samkhya “Philosophy, advocated by Patanjali, an ancient Indian sage, which has references about Dhyana that is, Meditation.

Meditation: A Scientific Experiment

What is scientific about Meditation? The answer would be Meditation itself is a Pure Science.

Though the concept & theories of Meditation come from ancient literature, predominantly from Indian religious scriptures, the studies all around the world have proved that the technique of meditation is entirely scientific & is devoid of any mysticism, irrationality or hocus-pocus. It is scientific in the purest sense of the world. The modern scientific experiments are based on four important components: Apparatus, method, observation & conclusions.. In similar way, Meditation is an experiment where apparatus is our body, Meditation technique is the method & conclusions are drawn from observations.

Literary work by modern scientists has proved that the Mediation is Pure Science. The well known example of such work would be “Meditation, Oneness & Physics”, a book by Glenn Peter Kezwer.

Benefits & Need of Meditation in 21st Century:

The physical, emotional & spiritual value of meditation has been well documented for thousands of years. Meditation is often recommended as a remedy for the ills of modern living: stress, anxiety, depression & poor health. Everyone can benefit from Meditation.

As we have already discussed, studies made by scholars have proved that Meditation Techniques are purely scientific. Meditation has its effects on physical health. Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, cholesterol & some endocrine secretions can be altered to healthful levels in the transcendental meditative state. Meditation has showed results in deep sleep, enabling the body to rest its systems & repair ongoing damage. It plays significant role promoting the flow of Endorphins, i.e. the natural brain chemical that produce a state of well being & has great value in addressing the problems of anxiety & panic disorders.

Pain can be altered through mental & social conditioning. The mind & emotions can either magnify or reduce the perception of pain depending on how a patient responds to pain. Here the meditative techniques have been proved useful.

To conclude, in the modern era where everyone is prone to affect physically, mentally or spiritually, techniques of meditation can prevent or cure the society’s problems.

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References

1.Meditation –

David B.Dillard Wright, Ravinder Erath

2.Super Conscious Meditation –

Pandit Usharbudh Arya

3.Meditation and its practices –

Swami Ashirwadananda

4.The Art of Living – Vipassana Meditation –

William Hart

5.Meditation –

Louis S.R.Vas

6.Meditation, Oneness and Physics –

Glenn Kezwer

7.The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies Vol 12 –

Gerald Ralson

8.Secrets of Meditation –

David ji

Sites: ( only for reference )

www.dhamma.org

www.artofliving.org

www.siddhayoga.org

www.tm.org

www.freemeditation.com

www.projectmeditation.org

Wikipedia

&

Google E Books.

Thank You. Best wishes.