Beating down the Ego : Some Feasible, Tried and Tested Techniques

 Disclaimer: This blog begins with a disclaimer, unlike many that place a disclaimer at the end. Although various methods to temper the ego are discussed, these are practices shared by remarkable individuals I have been privileged to know personally. I, the author, do not claim to be among these esteemed practitioners but merely compile their techniques. Please do not assume I am an accomplished practitioner myself.

Some degree of ego or sense of self is essential for our earthly connections. Human emotions, including love and attachment to family, friends, and nation, hold significant value. Without any ego, a person might feel disconnected from the world, which may not be ideal at certain stages of life.

However, excessive ego often leads to suffering, both for the individual and others. For instance, autocratic leaders with inflated egos, such as former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte, have assumed roles of investigator, judge, and executioner, bypassing fair trials to eliminate drug users and dealers. Similarly, during the Iran-Iraq war, Saddam Hussein invited candid advice from his ministers. When Dr. Riyadh Ibrahim suggested he temporarily step down to facilitate peace talks, he was sacked, arrested and brutally executed. Such extreme actions highlight the cruelty that an oversized ego can inflict.

Countless examples exist of individuals causing pain due to their bloated egos. Shakespeare captures this in Measure for Measure:

“But man, proud man,

Dress'd in a little brief authority,

Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd—

His glassy essence—like an angry ape

Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven

As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,

Would all themselves laugh mortal.”

― William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure

An ancient Sanskrit verse from the Hitopdesha states, ‘vidya dadati vinayam…..’ (knowledge gives humility), suggesting that true wisdom fosters a humble 'trimmed down' ego.

This blog does not aim to prove the harm of an inflated ego—history and daily life provide ample evidence. Instead, it explores methods used by wise individuals to reduce their ego, which is vital for personal harmony and spiritual growth. For example, I knew someone who, despite success and charity, struggled with meditation due to an oversized ego. After his guru advised ego reduction, he adopted practical techniques that led to renewed spiritual progress. An initial defensive reaction to such advice often signals an ego in need of trimming. As noted in my blog An Introspection Framework (http://karmasutratkos.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/an-introspection-framework.html), ego can manifest as anger or jealousy.

For spiritual growth, a reduced ego is akin to slowing a car to navigate a sharp bend safely. A mind weighed down by pride in self, culture or achievements often lacks the clarity needed for spiritual insights. My book Karmasutra refers to this as the “cosmic sensitivity barrier,” which must be thin for true advancement. However, acquiring psychic powers through techniques like tantra or mantra does not require a reduced ego, though such powers alone do not equate to spiritual growth.

Dwelling on why a reduced ego is sometimes necessary for certain spiritual practices to bear fruit, let me use the analogy of driving a car. When driving on a straight road, we can travel at higher speeds, but when negotiating a bend, the speed must be reduced or we will be unable to safely make the turn. Similarly, when we are engaged in a quest for spiritual growth and wisdom, a bloated ego makes it difficult for the mind to navigate the introspective path required to assimilate deeper insights. Minds burdened with excessive pride in their own self, culture, nation, family, race or achievements often lose the mental perceptual sharpness and objectivity essential for spiritual advancement. (In my book Karmasutra, I explore this ‘perceptual sharpness’ in more detail and refer to it as the ‘cosmic sensitivity barrier’, which needs to remain thin.)

Having said this, if we are seeking only to acquire certain siddhis or special psychic powers, then this condition does not apply. That is because attaining such powers requires only the ability to use certain aids, whether tantra, mantra, yantra or techniques to communicate with unseen cosmic entities or energies. As a result, even highly egoistic individuals may obtain psychic powers. However, it must be remembered that true spiritual growth is not merely about acquiring such abilities.

Now, having discussed the value of reducing the ego, let me come to the main focus of this blog: practical ego-burning techniques. I should add that this is by no means a complete list. If readers wish to contribute their own ego-reduction methods, I would gladly welcome their additions.

• Seeking Help – In many Western societies, we are encouraged to be independent. However, those who consciously strive to remain humble are willing to ask for help. Egoistic individuals often want to do everything themselves not because they enjoy the extra effort, but because they cannot bear the humility involved in seeking assistance. For instance, even when lost in the middle of a crowded city, unable to make sense of a map, some of us resist asking for directions simply because it involves humbly seeking help from another human being. If asking for even the smallest favour makes us uncomfortable, it is likely a sign of an inflated ego.

It is no coincidence that certain monastic orders in the East require monks to eat food obtained through begging. If they receive more than needed on a given day, they are forbidden from storing it. This daily practice of asking for food—often facing ridicule—serves to keep them humble. Of course, I am not suggesting that everyone adopt such a stringent lifestyle. However, we can apply this ego-burning principle in small ways. We might ask friends or acquaintances for advice, even when we are capable of resolving an issue ourselves, or ask for directions or other minor assistance.

For men who take pride in their looks or charm, a humorous yet effective technique is to ask a beautiful woman for sensual companionship. If she rejects the request, it becomes a valuable ego-deflating experience (for which he should thank her). And if she accepts, it becomes a mutually enjoyable celebration.

• Indulging Critics – We tend to be drawn to those who praise us and to avoid those who challenge our views. In more refined environments, such as corporate settings, this tendency becomes more subtle. Managers often appreciate team members who publicly support their plans and speak enthusiastically about their leadership. Conversely, those who raise concerns or highlight flaws are often side-lined. In private, we may label them ‘troublemakers’.

We prefer to surround ourselves with people who laugh loudly at our jokes. One way to identify flatterers is to observe who laughs the loudest at a joke that is barely funny.

Despite this tendency, it is still possible to seek out and meet our critics in person. Sharing a meal with them and listening openly to their feedback is a powerful way to reduce the ego. Inviting people with opposing political or ideological views, especially those we find hard to agree with, can also help in this regard.

Another ego-reduction practice is to remain connected with people who openly and repeatedly disagree with our social media posts, especially on political or social matters. One of my spiritually realised friends once advised me to do this. I attempted it and found it incredibly challenging to resist the urge to unfriend those who harshly criticised my Facebook posts, particularly those who were not close acquaintances. On Twitter, despite my efforts, I unfortunately gave in to the temptation and blocked those who frequently insulted me.

• Discouraging Flatterers – Some years ago, I watched a television interview with a political leader who was asked why she allowed her followers to prostrate and fall at her feet. She claimed she had asked them not to do so, but they simply refused to listen. (In fact, a recent amusing image showed a sports minister from an African country giving an exaggeratedly deferential handshake to his president. This picture was the butt of many twitter jokes.)  

There is likely a good reason why followers ignore us when we ask them not to flatter us. If they see that flatterers consistently gain some form of advantage, they will never take our words at face value. One way to reduce flattery is to find simple methods to penalise or distance ourselves from those who flatter us. For instance, if someone at the office constantly flatters us (or in the Indian context, touches our feet), we might reduce their access to us. Once flatterers begin to sense that flattery brings consequences, the speed at which the culture of flattery disappears will surprise us.

I once attended a meeting in Goa, India, with the revered spiritual teacher Dada Vaswani. He had devised a unique response to people touching his feet—he would make a point of touching their feet in return. Once people observed this, they stopped touching his feet, as few wanted to burden an elderly spiritual figure.

As a corollary, another way to reduce our ego is by touching someone else's feet. This is not easy if we do not come from a tradition where seeking the blessings of elders is customary. Jesus practised this when he washed the feet of his disciples. Lord Rama and Krishna always bowed to learned rishis. In Western or Middle Eastern contexts, kissing the hand or touching it to the forehead might serve a similar purpose. All such gestures reduce our own ego when performed sincerely.

• Criticising our own religion, family, or tradition – I am not suggesting we adopt a habit of constant negativity toward our own culture or religion. We are born into a certain tradition for a reason. Our overself (I won’t elaborate on that concept here—please refer to my book Karmasutra, or read the following passage for some context) may have chosen this birth setting as most suitable for our growth. So, it is natural to feel pride and affection for our background.

However, a powerful way to reduce ego is to listen to critics and agree with them when their arguments are reasonable, rather than responding defensively with, “What about the faults in your own tradition?” If I am Catholic and someone reasonably criticises the Catholic Church, I should acknowledge their point and perhaps add further insight. Even if the criticism seems unfair, maintaining silence and resisting the urge to retaliate is beneficial. Similarly, if I am of Indian origin and hear someone criticising India, and their points are valid, I should join them. Doing so helps reduce the ego and strengthens rapport with the other person.

Naturally, this can be uncomfortable. But just as physical pain at the gym signals that fat is being burned, psychological discomfort in such moments is proof that the ego is being burned away. That discomfort is a sign the method is working.

• Attempting and looking foolish – When others frequently praise our intellect, this technique is a strong ego-buster. A highly capable official I once knew practised this regularly. He had a sharp mind and strong spiritual awareness, but during formal meetings, he would sometimes say something slightly off-topic or naive. Others would quickly point out the flaws, and those less fond of him might even mock him. He would let this happen without correcting them and pretend to be a fool. This kept his ego in check. (He shared this with me on the condition that I would not disclose his identity.)

A variation of this technique is to occasionally seek the company of people far more intelligent or skilled than ourselves. If we struggle with economics, for instance, we can deliberately engage with experts in the field. In their presence, we will almost certainly feel inadequate.

Conversely, those with inflated egos often choose company where they feel superior. Attractive women, for instance, may seek out less attractive friends to ensure they stand out more and gain attention.

If we are proud of our wealth, a good ego check is to spend time with boastful, wealthy individuals. One spiritually mature friend of mine would visit his showy, wealthy classmate once a year. Each time, the classmate would flaunt his latest gadgets, cars, and possessions. By the end of the visit, my friend would feel utterly poor. The technique worked.

Another variation is to play games or sports with friends who are far more skilled. Our motivation to play usually depends on the chance of winning, at least occasionally. We prefer tennis opponents we can beat sometimes. But if we never win, we tend to avoid playing. Chess, in particular, is an excellent ego-buster because it relies entirely on intellect, not luck. Constant losses in chess can be humbling.

• Waiting – This is another effective technique. Egoistic people dislike waiting. They prefer to arrive just in time for a train or event, avoiding the appearance of waiting. If we are generally punctual, arriving early and waiting without complaint helps reduce the ego. Waiting for habitually late people, without showing anger, is also powerful.

• Apologising in public – We all enjoy being praised in public and prefer to apologise in private. Publicly apologising, especially in front of those who dislike us, is a superb ego-burner. Even the form of apology matters. A simple public ‘sorry’ is helpful, but more intensive versions exist.

One spiritually conscious academic I know practises this well. If he ever arrived late to an event—rare for someone of his rank—he would first apologise and then scold himself harshly in front of everyone, but not facetiously. He might say something like, “I was foolish to rely on my diary when I often forget to check it.” He used the strongest language for himself. Interestingly, if someone else made the same mistake, he would rarely scold them, and certainly never as harshly.

• Dealing with embarrassment – For most adults, especially women in skirts, falling while walking is embarrassing. In 2015, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe fell while disembarking from a podium at an airport. His security staff immediately forced journalists to delete all photographs of the incident. (I have given below, one such picture published in the online edition of Independent newspaper).

                                                    (Source : Independent newspaper online, AP)

Egoistic people do not like embarrassments and often punish those who even witness such signs of their weakness. For men, being caught in a restaurant without money to pay the bill is a major embarrassment. Similarly, being caught with an open fly, or burping or passing gas in public, can be deeply embarrassing. Of course, deliberately creating an embarrassing situation might not be practical for commoners like us, but how a person responds afterwards is a useful indicator of ego. If an unforeseen embarrassment leads to intense anger towards someone—a subordinate, colleague or servant, or even oneself—it is a clear sign of a bloated ego. The ability to laugh at oneself in such moments is a sign of a well-trimmed ego.

• Treating those far less powerful than us, better – Indian mythology recounts that when an angry sage once kicked the all-powerful Lord Vishnu in the chest, Lord Vishnu humbly enquired whether the sage’s leg had been hurt. Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is also said to have shared with delight the beaten rice meal of his penniless, elderly classmate Sudama.

I once knew a professor who was the Head of Department (HOD) in a university, leading a team of several junior teachers. In most cases, if a junior colleague neglected a task, he would quietly do it himself. If someone refused to teach a course, he would cheerfully accept it. Some colleagues would even remark, ‘What is our HOD doing? He’s letting so-and-so take advantage of him.’ A few tried to convince him to be more strict and demanding, but he would have none of it. I never once saw him use power or coercion to compel others. He always made requests in the most humble and respectful language, as though he were the subordinate.

There are three broad ways in which people treat those far less powerful than themselves. Those with bloated egos often behave with disdain, arrogance, or complete indifference. People with moderate egos are generally kind and humane, but react forcefully when the less powerful act unreasonably. Only the truly humble—those with significantly reduced egos—respond with patience even when the subordinate is arrogant or difficult. How we treat someone far below us in power, especially when we have every reason to respond with authority, is a telling indicator of our ego.

(However, a caveat: avoiding conflict and power simply out of extreme timidity may not be a sign of humility. Shyness and a reduced ego often go together, but if conflict avoidance arises from a deep-seated inferiority complex, it becomes a case of making a virtue out of necessity.)

• Trust and forgiveness – Some of my spiritual heroes used these as powerful ego-busting tools. It is said that Lord Rama, the mighty warrior avatar of Vishnu, forgave Ravana after defeating him in battle and even approached him with humility. Imagine confronting someone who has kidnapped your beloved wife and held her captive for years. If we were to defeat such a person and rescue our loved one, would we ever want to see their face again? But not Lord Rama. He asked his devoted younger brother Lakshmana to approach Ravana as a disciple and learn from his expertise in statecraft. Similarly, as Jesus lay dying on the cross, one of his final utterances was a prayer of forgiveness for those who harmed him.

Trust is another profound tool for reducing ego. One reason children do not have large egos is that they trust easily and forgive readily. They do not burden their memories with lists of past grievances or use these to justify mistrust or bitterness.

Letting go of past hurts and choosing to trust again is a powerful way to shrink the ego. One of my spiritually wise friends often lends money to those who have previously failed to repay him. Some may call him naïve, but he consciously uses this experience of ‘being cheated’ as a spiritual exercise in humility.

Most religions incorporate ego-reducing practices through rituals or customs. For instance, in the Catholic Church, the sacrament of confession requires a person to kneel and confess their sins to a priest. Even Catholic priests are expected to confess to another priest. It can be a deeply humbling experience to reveal our innermost secrets to someone with whom we share little personal intimacy. Among Hindus, there is the ritual of offering one’s hair to the gods. A full head of hair is often associated with good looks and ego, and to sacrifice it is an act of humility. Prostrating before gods in temples, touching the feet of gurus or elders, and performing suryanamaskar are all practices in Indian culture aimed at reducing the ego. In Islam, the act of namaaz, with one’s forehead touching the ground in prayer, also serves to humble the self.

This blog has already grown unusually long, and perhaps a bit unwieldy. My apologies for that—though I may be clumsily trying to practise an ego-busting technique here. As mentioned before, this is not an exhaustive list, merely a collection of techniques used by some of my spiritually advanced friends and acquaintances. I thank them for kindly sharing these insights with me. I invite readers to add their own tried and tested ego-busting techniques.

Wishing all my readers a joyful Kristu Jayanti (Christmas) season and a very Happy New Year 2017.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS 

An Introspection Framework

In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 21, Lord Krishna says that those who are free from attachment to action, who act only to maintain the body, and who relinquish all sense of ownership, never incur sin. While this level of perfection may be difficult to attain, we can always strive to reduce the barriers between ourselves and the universe.

In Karmasutra, this idea is introduced in Chapter 1 as the Cosmic Sensitivity Barrier (CSB). The concept explores how a thick CSB interferes with our ability to interact with the universe—or with God, Allah, Ishwar, or one’s personal divine presence, depending on one's chosen terminology.

Over time, our CSB tends to thicken due to the guile we practise in daily life. We laugh at our boss’s jokes, even when they are not funny. We promise to stay in touch with people despite having no such intention. We pretend to agree with our superiors and flatter them in the hope of being seen as close to them. These discrepancies between our true thoughts and our spoken words or actions accumulate and reinforce the thickness of our CSB. Eventually, we feel unheard by the universe and disconnected from its messages.

Some people are fortunate to be born with less guile. When they are angry, they show it. When they dislike someone, they cannot pretend otherwise. Even while living in the world, they seem immune to its lessons in diplomacy. Of such people, Jesus said in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek.” I have met many such individuals and count myself lucky to have some of them as friends.

However, those of us who consider ourselves smart, diplomatic, cunning or highly skilled in navigating the world may still yearn for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the universe (or divine). This post and the introspection framework below are primarily intended for such individuals. We may not be able to immediately remove the thickness of the CSB, but we can begin by reducing the impact of certain stress-generating emotions such as bloated ego, anger and fear. Many intelligent and rational people are fortunate to have the capacity for introspection.

That said, the rational mind is also subtle and deceptive. When someone attempts to reduce their bloated ego, the mind reassures them that humility has been achieved. Yet, that same ego may be covertly redirected into anger or envy. A person who never boasts about themselves might have a fierce temper or may be unable to praise others. This is a clear sign that the ego has not vanished but simply taken a different form.

Those capable of honest introspection may find the Introspection Hexagon (see figure below) useful in observing how these six negative emotional manifestations are balanced within. The wheel at the centre of the figure symbolises balance. It is rare to eliminate these emotions entirely, as they stem from our human condition. However, remembering the Introspection Hexagon can help us identify which emotions may be becoming dominant and disrupting our spiritual equilibrium.

Let us consider some common patterns and see whether we fit any of them:

• Bloated Ego rechannelled into Anger: A person who considers themselves extremely humble may frequently lose their temper with family, friends or colleagues. This indicates that the ego is still present. Long-held anger can also transform into hate.

• Bloated Ego rechannelled into Jealousy: Some people, while thinking of themselves as humble, regularly belittle others’ achievements or cannot tolerate praise directed at someone else. This, too, points to a hidden ego.

• Bloated Ego rechannelled into Shame, Guilt or Fear: These emotions often mask the same inner imbalance.

The hexagon can also serve as a tool for exploring other negative emotions. For example, fear can easily shift into hate or anger. So if we believe we feel no fear, we should examine any hatred or anger we might be experiencing. Jealousy, similarly, may change into greed. Greed may take the form of lust (for sex), power (which can become megalomania), food or drink (gluttony), or wealth. Jealousy may also transform into anger or hatred towards the person we envy.

Fear and insecurity also mutate easily. A person who feels fear at work, and fails to support a friend out of concern for displeasing a superior, may later feel guilt or shame. Likewise, shame and guilt can generate fear: “What if someone finds out?” Fear can even morph into greed—fear of poverty may lead to an obsession with money. A sense of inadequacy in one area can lead to excessive sexual behaviour to reaffirm self-worth. {In my book Karmasutra, and in other blogs I have never condemned sex with single or different partners, but I believe that just like gluttony is bad despite eating being healthy, lust is detrimental while normal sexuality (without undue guilt baggage and with mutual enjoyment and consent) is healthy.}

The key point is this: when we work to control one negative emotion, we must carefully observe the others to see whether they are being thrown out of balance. Controlling one emotion excessively may cause another to rise unchecked. The Introspection Hexagon is designed to help those with both the intellect and the desire for honest self-examination.

This kind of calm, regular introspection can gradually reduce our CSB thickness and assist us in our spiritual journey. As always, your thoughts, additions to this model and criticisms are warmly welcomed.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS 

Trump: The Harbinger of the Age of Mahabali

On this historic day, with Donald Trump elected President of the USA, it is time for all who are interested in spiritual affairs to reflect on the shape of the world to come.

Those who truly understand the spiritual workings of the universe know that most events in the material world are reflections of decisions already made in the spiritual realm. As I mentioned in my earlier blog here, before these events unfold in our world, they have already occurred in the astral plane.

Those observing the spiritual world closely will recognise that Trump’s rise to power is the continuation of a process that began some years ago in the spiritual realm responsible for overseeing Earth. This process involves the emergence of strong, Mahabali-type leaders in various parts of the world, leaders who will boldly guide humanity to its next stage of evolution. In the pyramidal figure provided in the blog, I have identified the other Mahabali rulers, in my humble view.

For those less familiar with the Mahabali myth, the commonly held belief is that he was a wise, just, and powerful ancient ruler of Kerala in South India. Though known for being tough and aggressive, this asuric Mahabali was also an excellent administrator, under whose reign the people of Kerala enjoyed peace, prosperity and a tension-free life. His popularity and strength so alarmed the gods that they sought the help of Lord Vishnu to remove him. Onam is still celebrated in Kerala as the day Mahabali visits his people each year.

As is often the case with Indian mythology, there are several versions of this legend, but I refer here only to the most commonly accepted one. (Another great administrator from the asuric tradition is Ravana. Though reviled by many in India, he was a spiritually accomplished meditator and an expert in statecraft and governance.)

Like Trump, many Mahabali-type leaders are unconventional in their language, demeanour and temperament. They speak boldly on topics other politicians tend to avoid. Like Trump, these leaders disregard political correctness and often cause controversy. When in power, they take tough, unconventional decisions. They typically have a patriarchal mindset and exhibit a strong, macho presence.

Such leaders are often harsh on dissent but generally intend to work for the benefit of their people. They dislike opposition and tend to punish those who cross them. Their governance style is centralised, with a high concentration of power in their hands. Yet, like Mahabali, they are usually wise administrators and just rulers.

With Trump’s election, an important node in the pyramid marking the Mahabali era has been completed. Other significant nodes, shown in the figure below, include Xi Jinping in China, Putin in Russia, Netanyahu in Israel and Narendra Modi in India.

What does the formation of this pyramid suggest about the world’s future?

In my humble opinion, it indicates the following:

• The rise of Mahabali-type leaders in many other countries, from the Philippines to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Mexico, bringing with them a focus on progress and governance.

• The emergence of strong, decisive leadership worldwide, unafraid to take bold military action. This will result in a general alignment of opposing forces on the global stage.

• A transitional period during which freedom of speech and fundamental rights will give way to a greater focus on security, material progress, stability and governance. It will be a difficult time for liberal journalists and dissenters.

The spiritual good news is that this pyramid is intended only for a relatively short duration, having been sanctioned at the highest spiritual levels for specific purposes.

Eventually, the world will witness a struggle between these strong, governance-focused leaders and the forces of fundamentalism and outdated thinking. This is one of the main reasons the pyramid of strong leadership is being constructed — to enable collaboration among similar leaders and, ultimately, to cleanse the world of radical and regressive elements.

Everything has a pre-destined expiry date. When the time comes — which, in my humble assessment, will be around 2030 — this Mahabali leadership era will dissolve as swiftly as it arose. Once the intended purpose is fulfilled, these leaders will be replaced by more saatvic personalities, embodying peace and divine qualities. In the case of Mahabali, this transition was carried out by the Vaamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. Likewise, more saatvic leaders will succeed today’s Mahabali figures in due course.

In the meantime, the period of coagulation, conflict and conquest has begun. It marks humanity’s next evolutionary stage. The election of Donald Trump is the harbinger of this Mahabali era.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS 

The Blood Circulation Perspective of Meditation

In my last blog, I mentioned that events occurring at the physical level happen beforehand at the astral or spiritual level. (The link to this previous post is http://karmasutratkos.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/do-events-happen-first-in-spiritual.html).

I also mentioned that in order to perceive the footprints of those events in the CSB (the ‘Cosmic Sensitivity Barrier’ area referred to in detail in Chapter 1 of my book Karmasutra: The Karma of Sex), we would need to silence our brain. Instead of using the term ‘silencing the brain’, there is another way to express this idea. This is simply an alternative perspective. I call it the blood circulation perspective of meditation.

The essence of this perspective is that in order to increase spiritual receptivity, we must maintain maximum blood supply in the brain area called the CSB, as well as in the superfine blood vessels above the neck. This helps enhance the overall sensitivity of the mind. One important point to note is that for our spiritual awareness, the quality, quantity and other parameters of the blood supply must be higher in the cosmic sensitivity region than in other areas of the brain. Some drugs and various other methods often maintain blood supply in certain regions of the brain, but this is not sufficient for spiritual receptivity. For example, if I am constantly keeping accounts or monitoring my business profits and losses, there may be excellent blood flow to the parts of my brain associated with mathematics, calculations and memory, but this may not result in spiritual sensitivity.

Similarly, some people chew herbs, consume energy drinks, ghutka, tea or coffee (which we might refer to as 'stimulants') to keep the blood supply active in the head area. This might improve brain function and mental sharpness, often temporarily, but there is little evidence that spiritual receptivity will be enhanced. Some drugs of a psychedelic nature may create certain perceptual or sensory experiences that resemble spirituality, but this is not the same as true spiritual receptivity.

Engaging in strenuous exercise such as running provides excellent pumping action from the heart, sending blood to most corners of the body at greater pressure. This is beneficial for the body and for many brain functions such as logic, quantitative reasoning and memory. It also promotes overall immunity and good health. This is because many health disorders originate from inadequate blood supply to certain parts of the body.

However, this exercise regime does not always significantly improve the condition of the Cosmic Sensitivity area. This is because the CSB does not merely require a voluminous supply of blood at high pressure, as is often the case with athletes. It requires blood to be delivered with optimal pressure, flow and other specific parameters. These are not achieved through exercise alone, but rather through meditation and, to some extent, through calming prayer or chanting.

In other words, if too much blood flows into other areas of the brain or body, or if the blood is not delivered at the optimal pressure, flow and chemical composition, then the cosmic receptivity area is not nourished sufficiently to enhance spiritual sensitivity. Therefore, if we wish to work on spiritual receptivity and sharpen our intuition, it is beneficial to minimise unnecessary blood flow to other areas of the body in order to keep the spiritually receptive area of the brain well nourished.

Another factor that hampers smooth blood supply to the CSB area is stress. If we are constantly stressed, rushing to catch trains or to meet deadlines at work, this lifestyle disrupts the blood flow in the brain's receptivity area. We can reduce this stress to a large extent through exercise, yoga and similar practices. However, while these activities can neutralise the negative effects of stress, they do not always sufficiently nourish the CSB.

As mentioned in Karmasutra, if we lead a life in which we must conceal many aspects of our thoughts or actions from others, this results in a different composition of blood flow that does not support spiritual sensitivity. I have explained this in the book as ‘congruence’. In fact, this incongruence between our thoughts, words and deeds is another form of mild stress. For true spiritual progress and for high-quality blood flow, there should not be too great a difference between our thoughts, actions and words.

In addition to these minor effects, there are other broader factors that draw blood supply away from the head region. What are the most common areas of the body to which blood flow is redirected? First, if we enjoy rich food and eat heavy meals consisting of meats, fats, alcohol, soft drinks, proteins or high-calorie, high-carbohydrate dishes, our digestive system becomes highly active. A large volume of blood is redirected from the above-the-neck region to the various organs involved in digestion. This explains why many people feel sleepy after a heavy meal. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake also introduce toxins into the bloodstream, interfering with the quality and characteristics of the blood needed by the spiritual sensitivity area.

Another major activity that diverts blood flow is sexual activity. After intercourse, a significant amount of blood remains in and around the genital area for some time before it can be redirected to the brain to nourish the spiritual receptivity area. Some people suggest that Shirsasana (the headstand yoga pose) helps bring blood back to the head. Indeed, Shirsasana can be helpful due to the effects of gravity, but if it is followed by a heavy meal that includes alcohol or by sexual activity, the blood is quickly drawn back downwards.

Bathing in water that is too hot or too cold, and significantly different from body temperature, can also cause shifts in blood circulation. Cold water baths certainly have health benefits, including improved blood flow. I do not discount these benefits. However, for the novice spiritual seeker, such sudden shifts can disrupt blood circulation. For the more advanced seeker who has achieved a degree of mental equilibrium, cold river bathing is excellent due to its cleansing effects on a spiritual level.

Too much sensory stimulation can also draw blood away from the brain and towards the stimulated organ. For example, if we watch television or films for extended periods, the eyes will begin to demand increased blood flow. This is one reason why meditators often keep their eyes closed, to minimise light intake. Our eyes are the main gateway for receiving information about the material world. Keeping them open allows this information to enter and immediately activates the information processing centres of the brain, diverting blood away from the CSB area.

Of course, in practical life, it is not always possible to meditate or pray with closed eyes. If we are working or travelling in crowded trains, we may not want to draw attention or invite judgement from others. In such situations, a useful compromise is to keep the eyes slightly open. For example, one can open the eyes to about 80 percent. This gives the impression that our eyes are open while reducing light intake by 20 percent. Although this may seem a minor adjustment, such small changes matter to those who wish to maintain their spiritual sharpness. Similarly, engaging in passionate, intense conversations for long periods also redirects blood flow. If we become too focused on boosting or inflating our egos, other areas of the brain receive more blood, not the spiritual area. I hope to write another blog post soon about some techniques for reducing ego, as gathered from great practitioners.

Beyond all these factors, as we age, the finer blood vessels begin to lose their elasticity and suppleness. As a result, we may require longer meditation sessions to achieve the same level of receptivity.

All these efforts, both large and small, become worthwhile when our spiritual receptivity sharpens and we begin to feel the imprint of events in the spiritual or astral sphere. This enables us to take corrective measures to prevent or at least mitigate those negative events from repeating themselves in the material world.

Through this post, I am not suggesting that everyone must avoid enjoying good food, the company of friends, or sexual activity. However, if someone is a genuine spiritual seeker and is wondering why their progress feels limited, this article may offer some technical insight. As I mentioned in my previous blog, everything shared here is based on my personal understanding, derived from various direct and indirect sources. Please feel free to disagree or disregard it entirely.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS 

Do events happen first in the spiritual-astral realm?

I have written somewhat ‘controversial’ things in my book Karmasutra: The Karma of Sex, which has even led to some of my friends blocking me on WhatsApp or unfriending me on Facebook. Let me continue now and write some more ‘controversial’ thoughts on two questions someone recently asked me, namely: ‘Do events happen in our lives directly at the physical, material plane?’ and ‘Does our blood circulation have anything to do with spirituality?’ Needless to say, whatever is written below is my personal understanding, distilled from various direct and indirect sources. Please feel free to completely disagree with it or disregard it entirely. Due to a paucity of time, I will answer the first question in this post and the second question in another post, which I will put up in a few days.

As per my understanding, things first happen in the spiritual, non-physical world and are then repeated in our actual, physical, material world. For example, if a person is about to meet with an accident, it first happens in the spiritual-astral realm and then occurs in the real world. When something happens in the astral world, the same imprint is released into the physical world.

To help us understand this better, let me use an analogy from an earlier era namely,  that of the old, non-digital camera and film negative. When a photograph was clicked, there was some sort of impression on the negative. However, if we did not want the picture to be developed, we could expose the negative to sunlight or strong light and the picture would be erased. Hence, although the event was recorded and the impression made on the negative, the picture would never develop because the impression was erased by exposure to light.

A similar connection exists between events happening at an astral (or spiritual, non-material) level and at the material level. If a person is about to meet with an accident, the event impression first happens at the astral level. It then manifests at the material, physical level. Between the astral or spiritual impression and the actual event, there is a time lag, during which the negative outcome can be prevented, unless it is strictly mandated by a person’s strong karmic fate or mission on earth.

To do so, we must be aware of what has already happened at the spiritual-astral level. One way is by consulting genuine astrologers or psychics who are able to pick up this information from the spiritual realm. Some of us are fortunate enough to see glimpses of forthcoming events, poised to replicate at the material level, in the form of symbolic dreams. Most of us are not.

At this stage, it is pertinent to note that I am not referring to distant future predictions, but rather to events that have already occurred at the astral level. There is a subtle distinction between predicting the future and receiving information about events that have already taken place in the astral world. Although for the uninitiated both may seem like ‘future predictions’, to those who understand these matters, they are quite different.

Let me illustrate with an analogy. If I am waiting for a friend who lives about 20 miles away to come to my house for lunch, I might ask him a month in advance and he might say he plans to visit. This is somewhat like a prediction of the future through astrology or another method, where events are tentatively scheduled. However, various circumstances may arise in the meantime that alter the plan. On the other hand, if the same friend calls me on the day of his visit and says he is already halfway through the journey, there is a much greater likelihood that his arrival is imminent. I now know he is going to reach soon, unless something drastic intervenes. This is akin to an event that has already occurred at the astral level where it is impending and simply a matter of time before it replicates at the material plane.

Returning to the idea of perceiving what has already taken place in the astral realm, it is possible for each of us to gradually develop this ability. What usually happens is that the subtle impressions of events occurring in the spiritual-astral world are received in the cosmic receptivity area of the brain (which I have referred to as the CSB in my book Karmasutra: The Karma of Sex). However, since our minds are filled with too much ‘noise’ to perceive these subtle signals consciously, we remain unaware of what has occurred at a spiritual level. We only become aware of the event (for example, the accident) when it unfolds in the physical world.

How can we tune our minds to receive those very subtle vibrations of future events? The simplest way is through meditation. For those not trained in meditation, prayer is another means. The key is to enhance the sensitivity and sharpness of our minds by silencing them from within, so that even subtle vibrations from the spiritual realm can reach us. In my next post, I will elaborate further on this idea of ‘silencing the mind’ from the perspective of blood flow to the brain.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS 

Contours of Compassionate Capitalism: Executive compensation levels

In my book KaRmasutra: The Karma of Sex, I wrote about the framework of Compassionate Capitalism (in Chapter 3 of the book). Some of my readers got back to me and said it is a bit idealistic. Some of them said that the fuel for capitalism is greed, and that when we remove greed, the edifice of capitalism will crumble like a pack of cards. Others mentioned that spiritual leaders strive to be poor anyway, and therefore the spiritually inclined would not want to be associated with a business in any case.

Let me start with the last argument first. I have heard a similar argument about politics. People have said that politics is a dirty game meant for the power-hungry, and that decent people should stay away from it. But these days, more and more people have realised that when decent people stay away from politics, the political climate in a country degrades. Even if a few decent, spiritually grounded people enter politics, the quality of political discourse improves substantially. Voters start to have a choice if they want to vote differently.

In a similar way, people without excessive greed must get into business. This is not a spiritual paradox. Those who have read the Bhagavad Gita can vouch that it does not prohibit people from engaging in business or trade, as long as it is done without undue attachment to money (greed). The Bible also says that the labourer is worthy of his hire. The Bible does not say that those who seek to enter the kingdom of God must not ask for remuneration. Nor does it say that the labourer must give away his product or labour free of charge. However, the Bible does warn against greed and obsession with material riches.

As the book KaRmasutra: The Karma of Sex (in Chapter 3) explains, giving away something free is not always desirable. In fact, there are many disadvantages to giving things away free (charity). If I stand by the side of a busy road and distribute apples free of charge, many people will take an apple even though they have no need of one, thus depriving those who really do. Very often, things which are obtained free are not valued and are casually thrown away or discarded. In terms of karma, when we give something for free, we place the person who has received it in karmic obligation to us. If I have given medicine to someone without accepting any remuneration, I have put the receiver in karmic debt to me, which needs to be repaid in this life or the next. Hence, for all these reasons, it is desirable to charge a reasonable, ethical price for any product. This is the way to do ethical business, and there is nothing spiritually wrong in being a businessman.

As explained in my book with several examples, negative karma accumulates when the price of a product is rapacious. When the price is set unrealistically high so that the CEOs, executives or owners of businesses make millions in bonuses and profit shares, it is greed that drives the business. When a retail chain sources a dozen bananas from Colombia for the equivalent of 25 pence and then sells each banana in the UK for 50 pence (that is, around £6 for the dozen), there is likely to be a profit margin of around 80 to 85 percent, even after all expenses are deducted. Is this a spiritually ethical profit margin? (The example and the numbers I have quoted are not plucked from my imagination, but are close to reality.) Why cannot the poor farmer in Colombia be paid a much better price for his efforts in growing the banana, while reducing the profit margins? Similarly, why cannot the lower-level employee in the corporation be paid a better salary?

In today’s post, the focus is more on top executive compensation levels, which is one aspect of the compassionate capitalism framework. In many large corporations today, the take-home salary (including bonuses, perks, incentives, value of shares, and so on) is more than 100 to 150 times the salary given to their lowest paid staff. In other words, while the receptionist or the person at the till in a shop may be making £28,000, the CEO takes home more than £2.8 million per annum. (And this is a conservative estimate. A USA Today article says that in 2011, the median CEO annual pay of S&P’s companies was $9.6 million, or around £7 million. A recent Guardian article about executive compensation levels mentions that in 2015 the top bosses of the UK’s public listed companies earned an average of £5.5 million.)

Do the CEOs of corporations in the UK and US need to take 100 to 200 times the salary of the lowest paid employee in a company or corporation?

What is the karmically ethical compensation level of the CEO? Instead of making vague exhortations, I believe the time has come to develop a more actionable model. I would go with the idea that every layer of hierarchy should restrict itself to a maximum of 10 percent higher remuneration than the previous level, with the lowest-level employee’s salary as the base level in a company. This, in my view, is the karmically ethical course of action. Hence, if the person at the till in the supermarket is at the lowest level and has a take-home annual salary of £20,000, then the next layer of hierarchy – the supervisor – should take home an annual salary of £22,000 and no more. Even if the company has 15 levels in its hierarchy, the person sitting at the top will not take home more than £75,000 per annum (including bonuses, incentives and so on).

There are various advantages to this system. Firstly, it reduces the pay gap between different hierarchy levels and creates a more empathy-driven company. The CEO does not live in a fully owned 12-bedroom mansion while their employee five layers down in the hierarchy rents a studio apartment. This lower income gap empowers employees, encourages participation, reduces intimidation, and fosters closeness.

The second advantage is that if the top executives want to increase their own compensation, they will have to increase the base salary of the lowest paid employee. In other words, the system does not cap the CEO's compensation level, but only caps the percentage difference in compensation between successive hierarchy levels to 10 percent. If the top person in the company wants to take home a cool £1 million yearly compensation, no one stops them – but the lowest level employee must then be paid a cool £264,000 per annum (assuming a 15-level hierarchy).

In my opinion, this is a reasonable system for businesses that wish to operate ethically. If CEOs or top executives are paid substantially more than this calculation allows, then, in my opinion, the company has moved into the bandwidth of greed. We are creating ego-driven CEOs who think of themselves as demi-gods, separated from the ‘common’ employees by millions. This also creates the obsession in others to reach this ‘top executive’ level by hook or by crook.

People who receive indecently large amounts of compensation are no longer buying things they necessarily need, but things they use to show off and build their ego. Too much money often leads to enormous amounts of waste and excess consumption. At the cost of the global environment, billions worth of products are produced to sustain the health, comfort and leisure of those with excessive compensations, entertain them and their families, and fill their homes with gadgets they use infrequently, if at all. As often happens with the scions of oil-rich Arab sheikhs, extreme wealth leads to extreme boredom, which in turn drives the search for the next ‘high’ – in goods, drugs or experiences – many of which may not be positive.

This greed-driven capitalism must stop, or at least reduce. Otherwise, more and more parts of the Earth will become unliveable in the coming decades due to the harmful impact of our rapacious consumption and waste generation on the planet’s climate. Perhaps the human race may look to colonise other planets and move there en masse, but the root of the problem will still remain.

How do we turn a new leaf in executive compensation? I think the government making laws may not be the only answer. This drive for values must come from the very top of companies that claim to follow business ethics. The CEOs of companies must begin to apply this model to their own compensations voluntarily and publicly. The entire organisation must adopt the principle of a maximum 10 percent salary hike between successive hierarchy levels. This is the first step in compassionate capitalism. (As an aside, I do believe that even the CEOs of charitable organisations have the right to take karmically ethical salaries. In fact, efforts should be made to reduce the gap between the compensations in charitable organisations, government institutions, and private companies at similar hierarchy levels.)

The second step is to use part of the savings from reduced compensations to bring down prices of products and services, even when there are customers willing to pay high prices (often due to limited options), especially for staple products such as food and basic transportation services. Another part of the amount saved by reducing compensation levels can be paid to governments in return for their firm commitments to specific welfare or benefit schemes. For example, free libraries can be built, bridges linking remote areas can be constructed, more police officers can be recruited, roads can be widened, and more support can be given to the needy.

Of course, in the long run, we need to shape and guide society. We must train our children in this model of capitalism without greed. We must teach entrepreneurs not only the principles and practices of sound business, but how to practise compassionate capitalism.

There may be questions about the model proposed here. What if the salesman makes more money than his boss due to selling more and earning direct commission or incentives? What if a certain middle level of hierarchy earns more than a 10 percent difference due to overtime? Does the model require tweaking in the case of relatively flat companies? These nuances will perhaps need to be addressed in another post, without compromising the ethical foundation of the model.

This is just a sounding board for thoughts and ideas, a starting point for debate. The model and system proposed here can be tweaked and modified, but somewhere we must begin the discussion on the contours of compassionate capitalism, with executive or CEO compensation being just one area of focus.

We owe this to our future on this planet.

 

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback , Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He can be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS

The Nature of Evil

When we learn of groups like ISIS committing extreme violence, including beheadings and systematic rape, we experience profound revulsion and question the perpetrators' humanity. While we label such acts 'evil', its fundamental nature remains unclear. Is evil controlled by a powerful entity like Christianity's devil or demons? Or does it originate from Islam's Saitan? In Hinduism, irrational evil is often embodied by rakshasas. This blog explores whether these concepts represent the same phenomenon.

 

Based on my understanding, informed by interactions with a range of spiritual leaders and the study of relevant literature, I am of the view that evil (or forces commonly referred to as the ‘forces of darkness’) can indeed manifest in powerful and tangible ways. While the initial part of my reflection may appear dramatic or irrational, I would encourage readers to continue through to the end in order to gain a more nuanced and comprehensive appreciation of the nature of evil. A partial reading may leave one with an exaggerated or distorted perception of what ‘evil’ truly entails.

 

One commonly recognised form of evil is the highly dramatized portrayal we encounter in films such as The Exorcist. While this depiction may appear sensational, such events can indeed occur. A human being may become entirely possessed by a demonic or darker force, serving as a medium to demonstrate the reach and influence of such entities. Though occurrences of this nature are far rarer than popular media might suggest, they are not entirely fictitious. Several notable works by experienced practitioners in this field, such as Malachi Martin and Gabriele Amorth, document these phenomena.

 

In Hinduism, while there is no central figure akin to Satan, exorcisms are still performed by skilled occult practitioners and tantrics to dispel malevolent forces believed to possess individuals under specific conditions. Nevertheless, these are rare events. More often than not, what is perceived as possession is, in reality, a manifestation of psychological or psychiatric disorders. Still, rarity does not equate to impossibility. Possession, when it does occur, is a profoundly significant event in a person's life and, as various texts suggest, may even be determined prior to birth. Furthermore, certain environmental conditions must be conducive for such dark forces to enter.

 

A second, and more unsettling, version of evil is the notion of direct incarnation. While we may comfort ourselves with the belief that every human is a divine creation, a sentiment that holds truth, it is also conceivable that darker forces are occasionally permitted to send their own emissaries into the world. These incarnations occur within the laws of time and space, often to fulfil certain cosmic functions. In the Mahabharata, for instance, Kunti uses sacred mantras to invite divine beings into her womb, resulting in the birth of the Pandavas. Similarly, it may be possible, under certain circumstances, to create the conditions for darker entities to incarnate. When we study the lives and atrocities of individuals such as Idi Amin, Hitler, or Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, we find compelling reasons to consider whether these individuals were not mere humans, but incarnations of malevolent forces.

 

The third and more common manifestation of evil, in my view, occurs when malevolent energies hover like an invisible yet potent cloud over a specific population or geographic region for a designated period. This is not accidental but permitted by a cosmic balance, an agreement, so to speak, between divine and dark forces. During such times, entire populations may fall under the sway of fear, anger, and hatred, and rational, compassionate behaviour is temporarily suspended. While a few key figures may be more directly influenced by these forces, the true corruption lies in the atmosphere, the emotional and energetic climate of the region.

 

Consider the Rwandan genocide. Over the course of several weeks, groups of Hutus set up roadblocks to identify and murder Tutsis, including women and children, often neighbours with whom they had previously lived peacefully. The descent into such inhumanity seemed to erase all moral compass. Similarly, in Nazi Germany, ordinary citizens working within the regime facilitated the extermination of millions of Jews, often without any apparent sense of wrongdoing. During the 1984 riots in North India, Hindus who had long coexisted peacefully with their Sikh neighbours suddenly turned violent, committing unspeakable atrocities.

 

This form of evil is recognisable when otherwise reasonable individuals begin expressing themselves through language steeped in fear, hatred, and resentment. This shift signals the growing influence of dark energies.

 

Indeed, in cases of direct incarnations of evil, as described in the second version, the surrounding region also becomes infected, much like the scenario described above. Just as certain soil, moisture, and temperature conditions allow particular plants or weeds to thrive, so too do fear, hatred, and anger create fertile ground for dark forces. In fact, when a community emits strong negative vibrations, such as fear, suspicion, and rage, it can act as a beacon for malevolent entities to concentrate their efforts in that region.

In ancient Hindu scriptures, rakshasas are often portrayed as masters of maya (illusion) and powerful sorcery. In areas of social unrest, dark forces often sow rumours or dangerous thoughts which are then picked up by human intuition and acted upon. For instance, during the India–Pakistan riots, certain Muslim rioters, upon encountering Hindu men claiming to be Muslim, devised the cruel practice of checking for circumcision as proof of identity. These kinds of ideas are not always born from deliberate human reasoning. They are, I believe, seeded by evil forces in the environment and picked up by those susceptible to them.

 

What, then, is to be done by those living in areas where evil is palpably present? The answer is similar to how one responds to extreme cold. One keeps warm. This may involve sitting by a fire, wearing warm clothing, or lighting a small flame to create a zone of heat. Likewise, in total darkness, the first instinct is to light a candle. In the presence of powerful evil, the imperative is to remain connected to the divine source, through meditation if possible. For those untrained in meditation, sincere prayer to cosmic divine forces offers a viable alternative. The goal is to remain spiritually protected and grounded, allowing time to pass while refraining from drawing unnecessary attention.

 

As shown in the film Schindler’s List, even in the heart of immense evil, small acts of light can exist. Oskar Schindler, at great personal risk, saved hundreds of Jewish lives. While such heroism may not be possible for everyone, staying aligned with divine principles is itself an act of resistance and protection.

 

Interestingly, great spiritual masters such as the Buddha rarely spoke about evil in the personalised terms seen in other traditions. This omission long puzzled me. Unlike in the Bible, where Jesus casts out demons and confronts Satan directly, Eastern sages focused on meditation and attaining nirvana, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In these traditions, there is less emphasis on external forces like God or Satan, and more on inner transformation.

 

After deep contemplation, I arrived at what I believe is a consistent explanation. At higher levels of spiritual understanding, evil does not exist as a tangible force. What exists is ignorance. Lest this sound like a contradiction to all I have stated thus far, allow me to clarify.

 

Consider the analogy of fire and ice. Both are extreme sensations. Fire burns, ice freezes. Fire can inflict pain, and so can ice. But while fire is generated by fuel, heat, and oxygen, cold has no independent existence. It is simply the absence of heat. Likewise, darkness is not a substance in itself. It is the absence of light. The deeper the darkness, the greater the absence of even the smallest light.

 

Thus, the so-called forces of darkness or evil are, in essence, entities that arise where spiritual light and wisdom are absent. When true insight shines forth, bringing discernment, compassion, and clarity, these dark influences dissipate. This is echoed in the Upanishadic mantra, Asato Ma Sad Gamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya, "Lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light." These verses do not refer to devils or demons but rather to ignorance and enlightenment. Evil, at the highest spiritual level, is ignorance.

 

And yet, even if evil is fundamentally a lack of light, its effects in the material and psychological realms are undeniably real. Returning to the analogy, while cold is simply the absence of heat, the effects of extreme cold, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and disorientation, are painfully tangible. The same is true of spiritual darkness. Though it may stem from ignorance, its impact on individuals and societies can be deeply destructive.

 

This is why the earlier parts of this reflection must be read in conjunction with this understanding. While the metaphysical truth may be that evil is a deficiency rather than a force, its manifestations in our world are real, often catastrophic.

 

In this light, the Western conception of an all-evil Satan pitted against an all-good God appears, to my mind, overly dualistic and dramatised, a product of the binary thinking common in Western theology and popular culture. Films often delineate clear heroes and villains, good and evil. Yet, human experience, as we know, is rarely so absolute. Most people, and most events, exist in shades of grey.

 

From this perspective, Hinduism’s treatment of evil as ignorance, or a deviation from divine light, seems both more realistic and more compassionate. Even beings like the rakshasas are not beyond redemption. The demon-king Ravana, for instance, is often remembered as a great scholar and devout meditator who acquired many boons through penance and discipline. This reflects the inherent fairness of the cosmic order. Even those aligned with darkness can acquire merits through effort.

 

What emerges is a hopeful view. Even the most misguided beings are not irredeemable. Spiritual light, once perceived, can illuminate even the darkest corners. As the ancient Sanskrit prayer reminds us, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, "May all beings, everywhere, be happy." The promise of peace, joy, and growth is not denied even to those once allied with darkness. All may return, in time, to the path of light.

©Staju Jacob, 2016.

Staju Jacob is the author of path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback , Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc.  He can be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS