Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Dashavatars and The Theory of Evolution


"Yada yada hi Dharmasya glanir Bhavati Bharath
 Abhyudhanama dharmasya dhatatmanam srijanyaham"


Whenever dharma or the situation of law and order is endangered on this world, I shall incarnate onto this world to re-establish Dharma, law and order, and to protect the good people and to destroy the evil  elements of the society.

Among the trinity Gods, Brahma is the GENERATOR, Vishnu is the OPERATOR and Shiva is the DESTROYER.  Lord Vishnu takes an avatar whenever law and order are endangered in this world. These Avatar's also depict the Theory of Evolution


Periodically Lord Vishnu descent's upon the earth in animal or human form and preserve the world from increasing evil.The mythology of Dashavatar describes how Vishnu incarnates from time to time to save mankind and the sacred scriptures.


The scientific theory of evolution states that life on earth began as single celled organisms and later developed into multi-cellular organisms. The theory further states that aquatic creatures came into existence first and then came the amphibians. Land dependent animals came later. Finally from monkeys to human. 


Avatars in Sata yuga:


1. Matsya Avatar


Evolution Aspect :Which means fish which could solely live in water.

Mythology Gist: He came to rescue the Vedas from destruction.


2. Kurma Avatar


Evolution Aspect: It means turtle which can live on both land and water (amphibian).


Mythology Gist: He acted as a support for the mountain during the churning of ocean.


3. Varaaha Avatar


Evolution aspect: It means Boar those can only survive on land with a protruded snout (which indicates the survival on land). 


Mythology Gist: He mounted the earth and killed Hiranyaksha.


4. Narasimha Avatar


Evolution Aspect : Half Lion and Half Human.


Mythology Gist : He appeared in order to save his devotee Prahlad.



Avatars in Treta Yuga:

5. Vaamana Avatar


Evolution Aspect : A human with short stature corresponding to the appearance of human being


Mythology Gist : He tricked the demon King Bali and sent him pataala so that the control of the universe goes back to the Gods.


6. Parasurama Avataar


Evolution Aspect: Man who first tried to bring order.


Mythology Gist : Wiped out 21 generations of impious kings. 


7. Rama Avataar


Evolution Aspect : A man's need  and struggle for law and order. 


Mythology Gist : Rescued his wife from the clutches of demonic king Raavana and set up the path of righteousness. 



Avatars in Dwapara Yuga:


8. Krishna Avataar


Evolution aspect : A superhuman with full realization of consciousness


Mythology Gist: The central character in the Epic of Mahabharatha which deals with aspect like love, politics and brotherhood. He also gives us the ultimate guide Bhagavadgeetha. 


9. Buddha Avataar


Evolution Aspect : A spiritual leader for a chaotic mind of a human.


Mythology Gist: Appeared to spread the divine knowledge among people and teach the concept of Ahimsa. 



Avatar in Kali Yuga


10. Kalki Avataar


Evolution Aspect : Apocalypse


Mythology Aspect : Will appear to destroy the evil people and bring back Sata Yuga and continue the cycle.



Comparing the stages of Avataar and the Evolution aspect we can fully describe development of modern humans. Our scriptures have described it all!!





Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Old School Yard


Seven years is a long time, but the memories of the school are still fresh. Everyday started with assembly which was obligatory as well as our duty to attend. As the years passed by the interest in attending the assembly went downward exponentially. But I miss the fun element of it though. 

We used to be happy when the rain drenched the assembly ground  and we would have to listen the blaring of Om... through the speakers. No matter how drenched we were, asatoma sath gamaya was a part of our school life. We would pledge our life to the nation in English, Hindi and Sanskrit on a day to day basis.

Our school also had a routine of thought for the day (thanks to that I know a few quotations and their meaning), news around the globe would be read (through which we would yawn away) and finally the special item where poems, interesting articles, book reviews (which were crammed in our brain) and the quiz session would buzz up the entire school. It was more of getting together of the entire school early in the morning. 

The PT (physical trainer) instructor would stroll around and ask us to correct our postures. Why were we asked to take the pledge on a regular basis? What was the whole point of singing the patriotic songs in various languages? I still remember the translation of our national anthem in English. But I had never bothered to learn its meaning. But I just wish I could go back in time like a time traveler and witness it all over again.

There was also a round of samooha gaan on some days, which were I remember  in various languages. The assamese song Aye maathi re...., the gujrathi song Aakash ganga surya chandra tara (would remind me of a tape recorder moving at a very creepy pace), the marathi song aata uthavu saare rann, the rarely sung tamil song oodi vilayadu pappa, the melodious telugu song pillalaara hmmm papallara (sung with the humming), the sanskrit patriotic song jaya jaya he bhagavathi and even the sindhi song muhinjo vatan. And without fail we definitely sang the malayalam song Janmakarini Bharatham on November 1st. There was a kannada song too which has been wiped out from my brain. 

There were also other hindi songs like Hind desh ke nivasi, the kendriya vidhyalaya anthem Bharath ka Swarnim gaurav, Honge kaamyaab and its english version we shall overcome, and I think even before 
A R Rehman made Vande Mataram famous we KVians are responsible for it to be well known.


The final saavdhan, vishraam and saavdhan again for the National Anthem would create happiness as they can finally move away from the heavy sun and the patriotism can be heard blaring out loud on the old school courtyard. 

I am proud to be a part of KV. I personally feel that it shapes up our overall personality not just in studies but sports, arts and music too. 

Reasons I like KV:

1. K V rules!!!

2. Get to use cool words like "jhakaas", "kamine" etc. Bole toh Tapori hindi.

3. For the fight between South Indians ("Poda patti") and North Indians (" Saala Madrasi").

4. K V teachers- the best educative entertainment.

5. School near a beach (people would pay for that now). 



Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Bhindi do Pyaza


Bhindi do Pyaza, the name suggests that the ratio of onion is twice that of lady's finger. This crispy curry goes well with chappati as well as rice.

Ingredients:
Okra/ Lady's Finger : 250 grams ( Julienne cut)
Onion : 500 grams (Julienne cut)
Green Chilli : 2-3
Oil : 2 tbsp
Cumin Seeds : 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder : 1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder : 1 tsp
Amchur Powder : 1 tsp
Cumin Powder : 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala : 1 tsp
Coriander leaves (finely chopped) : 2 tbsp
Salt according to taste

Procedure:
1. Wash and dry the okra and cut it vertically (you can cut it in any shape you desire).
2. In a pan heat oil and add cumin seeds, once they splutter add chopped green chili.
3. Add the chopped onions and turmeric powder and cook till they turn translucent and slightly brown.
4. Add the chopped okra pieces and cook till the sliminess of okra disappears.
5. Add all the spice powders with salt and mix well, once it is completely cooked garnish with coriander leaves.