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