Is This The Beginning of The End (read COVID 19 PANDEMIC)

 

A dear friend of mine ask me these question today:

1. Wonder if all these will go away?

2. Or is it a sign from GOD that the world is ending?

That got me thinking, but my instant reaction was, I told her, "This Too Shall Pass". 

When Arjuna was hesitant to engage war with his uncles and cousins in the Mahabaratham War, Krishna who was his advisor cum charioter said this to Arjuna,

"O son of Kunti, the non-permanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their dissappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharatham, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed." - Bhagavath Geethai 2.14.  

Almost all calamities that befall humanity is "MADE BY HUMAN". Occasionally we have the earth naturally rebalancing itself, particularly geological shifts, and this can have an impact both on climate, which in turn can affect the food chain, and therefore causing the extinction or raise of flora & fauna and life forms (from an amoeba to Humans). 

However human activities from dawn of civilization, has added on the pressure to artificially exacerbate this process. Sociotechnological advancement and Ravaging of The Earth have a symbiotic relationship, almost a "Chicken or Egg" dilemma. 

In my respond to my friend, I said, if you are worried about the End of World, don't worry, we would be long dead by then and so will your children and their children, and their childrens children ........ 

I guess my friend's concern was based on the fact that we are currently going through the last Yugam (age of time) of the 4 Yugams of a Kalpa (Eon). If anyone wondering what is this all about, well this is the ancient Indian cosmology which calculates cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. 

From that perspective, the current cycle is call the Kaliyugam which is the last of the 4 of this Kalpa. Which means the end of a cycle, whereby it is the end of the world as we know now.  But hold your horses, the Kaliyugam is to last for 432,000 years. The Kali Yugam began 5,122 years ago and has another 426,878 years left as of 2021 CE. Therefore the Kali Yugam will end in the year 428,899 CE. 

So meanwhile, all we have to do is to ride through this pandemic, until such time when Covid19 becomes acclimatise to human, like the common flu, which I think will not be too far off. 

At this stage almost everyone has lost someone close, to Covid19. Just 2 weeks ago, I lost my cousin to this deadly parasite. Last year I lost another cousin but, to cancer. Did you know that in the year 2020, 10 million people have died of cancer and according to WHO that is the current approximation of death annually, for sometime now. In contrast the total death owing to Covid 19 since it was first detected about 2 years ago is only about 4.4 million people. I am not comparing, but although the inevitability of death is apparent from myriad of sources, but the euphoric reception given to Covid19, had made death and fear of dying a predominant volition that seem to be deeply embedded in everyone mind. 

At the end of the day, death is the only thing that is CERTAIN in life. 

But we can't be living for death, instead we have to live our lifes (no matter how short it maybe). We should stop thinking about "what if" and pursue "what should". 

The GOD concept is the energy of this "existence", hence it is passive. There is no such thing as bad energy or good energy, energy is energy, but how the "existence" construct itself would determine the outcome. 

Prayer, parigaram (penannce), spiritual pursuits are all but means to tap into this energy to harmonize it to oneself. Beyond that the energy radiates exponentially, without course, cause or conviction, only humans foolishly think that they can contain it. 

Well those guys at CERN have done extensive work on the GOD particle, and have made much breakthrough in tapping into the energy field. Great, but even they know their limitations. But then again isn't that what humanity has done todate, to push the boundary of knowledge and experience as far as it's imagination and intelligence go. 

We are alive today, we should celebrate our existence with purposeful pursuits. Let us not worry about the after life, let us make this life meaningful to us and to the people around us.

The pandemic had given us time and space to reflect, hope this experience have taught us how to be HUMAN again.

Ravi Varmman 160822082021

Subang Jaya

Happy Father's Day To My Dear Pappa

It was 1974, I still remember, a monsoon afternoon, and we little Indian boys were waiting for our Tamil teacher Mr Narayanasamy to take on our "peoples own language" (POL) Tamil class. It's a common scenario then, in non vernacular schools, in this case Tamil was taught as an additional subject by a guest teacher. Anyway that is not the story I am about to tell you.

But on that unfortunate day, Mr Narayanasamy was late, and we had the entire classroom for ourselves, and since the classroom was rather isolated from other classes, we also had the privacy to do as we like. So then began our ruckus, dancing and jumping and doing everything primary school boys and girls will do. 

I was a little (actually a lot more) boisterous and climbed on the table and began gyrating, strumming to an air guitar. Seeing this my dear friend Raj Kumar got excited, ran towards me from the back and gave a big slap on my buttocks, and I tumbled onto the floor. When I got out from the daze I realised a sharp pain on my elbow, and everyone was looking at me, particularly at my arms with their mouths open wide in utter shock. Only then I realised that I had dislocated my elbow, and basically my arms were dangling off tangent. My instant reaction was directed to Raj, with utmost anger, and the first thing I uttered to him was, "who is going to pay for my arm?" And I started crying, loudly with 3 emotions, rolled into 1, firstly was from the pain, second was my anger to Raj and third was the fear of facing my Pappa. By now many would have wondered, why am I telling this story, when the title is Happy Fathers Day to my Pappa. Hold your horses, will come to that shortly.

By now I could see the horror in the faces of my classmates, more importantly my friend Raj who had this "saw a ghost-like look". He profusely said he was sorry, but I was not in the right frame of mind to respond. Perumal Dass, another dear friend of mine, who is known as Mr Fixit, took charge of the situation, and brought me to the office, me still crying, with Raj and others tagging along. 

Our discipline master at that time was Cikgu Susah Bin Kasadimin (I am not joking it is his real name, and I do not think any of my classmates will ever forget Cikgu Susah.) He clarified with us as to what transpired, but insisted that I should get treated immediately. So got into his car, and he brought me to the Segamat Government Hospital. On the way to the hospital Cikgu Susah mentioned that he has instructed the office to inform my Pappa on the matter. The moment he mentioned my Pappa, my heart sank and began to furiously pound, and suddenly the the fear of facing my Pappa overtook the pain in my arm.

My father Mr  Kanniappan Kutta Reddy, was a teacher, and since Segamat was a small town, basically everyone in the fraternity knows each other. In fact my Pappa knew the details of my report card even before I could present it to him, so that's how life was then, no escape. 

At the hospital upon registering while awaiting treatment, my mind was totally blanked out, and the only thought on my mind was how am I going to face my Pappa and what was I going to tell him. Then he appeared from the sliding door, came straight to me with his menacing eyes, and gave a hard pinging slap that shocked Cikgu Susah and the medical assistant who was attending to me. Suddenly both their attention were on my Pappa, and Cigku Susah was trying to calm him down asking my Pappa to be patient, after all, Ravi was just a kid. Immediately after the slap, and as he calmed, he held my shoulders and asked me this, "is it painful?" And I was wondering whether he was asking me about my arm or the slap. 

I cried and said "yes it was", seeking attention, either way, both types of pain needed comfort. Then while still holding my shoulders, he asked me what had happened and I narrated to him in between my pitiful sobs, but the story was definitely twisted to make Raj Kumar the villain. At the end of the story, he calmly said, "this would not have happened if you were not on top of the table in the first place." So the rational side of my Pappa shone through.  Just then the Hospital Assistant (HA) Uncle Nadaraja walked in with my X-Ray, and my Pappa's attention was diverted to him, and in a pensive mood he asked about my circumstances. As Uncle Nadaraja was explaining, my Pappa was very attentive and I could see the worry on his face. But Uncle Nadaraja assured my Pappa that with proper intervention my arms can be fixed since there weren't any fracture. But I will need to go to Melaka General Hospital, as they do not have an orthopedic specialist in Segamat. 

My transfer to Melaka could only be  done the next day, and i would have to stay a night in Segamat hospital. I was scared, first time being admitted, plus I am placed in a twin sharing 2nd class ward and there weren't any other patients in the room. My Pappa stayed with me that night, and in the morning, he went back home to take his shower, and applied for leave for that day. By the time he came back, guess what?  Raj Kumar came to visit me with his uncle, Uncle Vadivelu and another family friend of ours Uncle K.S Maniam. Raj came to apologise to me and and also apologised to my Pappa. Therein Raj and me had to listen to almost 1 hour of pep talk from all the three gentlemen, who happen to be teachers themselves on the virtues of being "good boys," and at the end we were made to shake hands. That was surely one long hour.

After they left, it was time for me to leave to Melaka, but I did not know that I was to ride on the ambulance. I was terrified and insisted that my Pappa takes me to Melaka instead, but hospital protocol, I have to be on the ambulance. Guess what?  My Pappa agreed that he will follow the ambulance and so he did, drove his car all the way to Melaka hospital. 

Once we got to the Hospital and when all formalities were done, it was time for my Pappa to leave and once again I insisted he stayed with me, and so he took another day off and stayed with me till the next day just about after visiting hours ended in the evening. Meanwhile he made arrangements with his friends from Melaka to visit me in between to keep me company, in his absence during the day. So from then on for the next 14 days till I got discharged from the hospital, he drove everyday to Melaka after work, from Segamat, travelling 2 hours 1 way, spending a few hours with me and returning back to Segamat. 

On top of that somewhere in the second week, my baby sister was having breathing difficulties, and was admitted in Segamat Hospital, and despite that, he still made his trips to Melaka to visit me, after looking into my baby sister's needs.  

Thus was my father, a strict disciplinarian on one extreme and a person with bountiful love on the other end of the spectrum.

He became a friend when he gave his helping hand in picking me up and guiding me through a personal misadventure I had endured in my early adulthood. That day I realised my Pappa's love for me and the extent he would go to look after my well being. 

For that matter I would also have to thank my late Uncle Appu (Uncle Jeyaretnam) who not only cared for me as a father but also as friend in handling my anguish during that time. 

I was fortunate to have several people who played that role as a father and friend, and another person I should be greatful to is late Uncle Arumugam, who gave me the wisdom to be wilfull and take life as it comes.

And then there was late Uncle Kamalanathan, who was a fantastic cook, with green fingers, a man who knows how to party and was great on his accordian. But beyond that he was a man of patients and meticulousness. I learned how to be grounded and be a practical person facing any adverseries that life throws at you. 

Today my Pappa is 82 years old,, having just celebrated his birthday in June 17.  He has physically slowed down but mentally his faculties are as sharp as ever, always ready for an engagement. I would embarassingly say that I have had my fair share of war of words with my Pappa. But as soon as it is over the next moment we act as though nothing has happened and continue with a cordial conversation. That is how it is with me and my Pappa.  

His greatest passion revolves around cars. He was one of the earliest Indians in Segamat to own a car. It began with a Morris Minor in 1961 and now currently owns a BMW 525, and he still drives, though we have imposed restrictions on his driving.  

By the way my Pappa is an absolute teetotaler, but his father was the exact opposite and so were all his friends. Somehow it skipped a generation and I have joined my Thaatha (Grandfather), but todate I have never consumed the "fire water" in front of him. Of course he knows I drink. Perhaps I am old school, but more importantly the respect and love I have for my Pappa is bigger than me.

To my Pappa, thank you for being there at different phases of my life. There were times I hated you, but retrospectively looking at it later, I realised that it was my own indequacies that led to your stern and sometimes harsh actions. 

Today, I am a father myself, and I can empathize with what you have gone through bringing up Vani, Thara and me. 

I humbly prostrate at  your feet to seek BLESSINGS FROM YOU, MY DEAR PAPPA  and AMMA.

Ravi Varmman

170020062021

Subang Jaya

    

ARUNACHALA And i

ARUNACHALA Hill

at Annamalai Temple Gopuram Backdrop

It was an early Margazhi (winter month) morning in Thiruvannamalai, Raviena, Greeja and I decided to do the Girivalam (circumambulate the Arunachala Hill). It was our first trip to Thiruvannamalai, Raviena was about 13 years old then. We stayed at the Ramana Ashram, and Baskar, our driver then and whom I now regard as my younger brother and member of my family, dropped us at the entrance of Annamalai Temple, to begin our Girivalam. He was definitely tired after yesterday's drive from the South, and I asked him to take rest, whilst we take the 14.5km walk around Arunachala Hill.

We paid obeisance to Annamalaiyaan at the entrance, and we started to walk, but not more than 20 meters on, it started to rain. I was apprehensive to continue, but Raviena said, "Lets go Pappa, after all how often do we get to walk in the rain?". Whilst I was contemplating, a dog came along, stood in front of us, in the rain, and gave this look as though telling us, "what are you guys waiting for, lets go, after all it's just rain." With Raviena's insistence and after Greeja gave the nod, we started walking. The moment we took our steps, the dog which was in front of us started to walk as well. By then the rain started to become even  heavier, but the dog kept on ahead of us, as though showing us the way. 

In our minds we thought the dog was hungry and was hoping for some food from us. Greeja being Greeja who always has a soft spot for animals, said to me "lets stop by at any shop  to get some biscuits for the dog". Since it was very early in the morning, shops were not opened yet, and we hoped at least to find one which would  be opened along the way. We had walked almost 6km, the rain was unabating,  and the dog was still with us. Finally we chanced upon a tea stall which was open and we made a pitstop there. We ordered coffee and Greeja got some biscuits for the dog. Whilst we had entered the tea stall, the dog obediently waited just outside the stall under the shed, and Greeja gave the biscuits to the dog, which it devoured happily.

So we thought that it will be over with the dog, since we had already fed it. As we got up to continue our walk, the dog also stood up and just like before it went ahead, as though escorting us. Very interestingly, along our walk we also encountered many packs of stray dogs trying to lunge at us, but at every encounter, our canine escort went ahead and chased them away. This was definitely getting weird, because such things don't normally happen, a dog walking in a pouring rain, escorting a family of three with which it had no previous relationship with.  Mind you at certain stretches of the road, especially as we entered the town before reaching the temple, the roads were flooded above our ankle, and the dog was with us all the way, wading through the water.

I know What You Are Thinking,

NO 

This Is Not The Dog That Followed Us

Finally we completed our 14.5km walk, we were back at the entrance of Annamalaiyaan Temple. Paid our homage, seeking the blessings of Annamalai and Unnamalai, and all these was happening under the watchful eyes of the dog. We decided to head to a restaurant just next to the temple for a quick breakfast and most importantly Greeja wanted to feed the dog with something substantial. We entered the restaurant, and the dog just stood outside, and Greeja said to the dog, "I will get you some food, so just wait a while."  We went in and asked to pack some idlly with sambar for the dog, but when Greeja came out with the food, the dog was nowhere to be seen. We asked around from the people who were there and all of them said that they did not see any dog in the first place.  

We were left flabbergastered. When we narrated the story to Baskar, he mentioned that in his conversation with one of the Annamalai temple flower shop owners, she apparently said that the Aruncahala Hill, since time immemorial has been the abode of Siddhars (Enlightened Ones). They seek homage in Arunachala Hill, which they see as a Divine entity. Ancient seers descripted Arunachala hill as Agni Lingga. It has been said that Arunachala Hill was Agni (Fire) during the Krithayugam, was Manickam (Emerald) during Threthayugam, was Ponn (Gold) during Dwaprayugam and Kall (Rock) during Kaliyugam. 

For those unfamiliar with these periods called Yugam, these terms are based on Hindu Cosmology that describes four ages of mankind that runs through a period of 4 million years, Currently we are in the age of Kali (Kaliyugam) which Hindu cosmologist calculated had started in the year 3102BCE and is supposed to run for 432,000 years.

According to the locals there and from my readings later, these Siddhars or seers take various forms presenting themselves to mortals as  guides or protectors. The entire experience as narrated was exhilarating for all of us. For me personally, this whole episode opened a new beginning in my inner quest. 

One thing that I have realised is that, every encounter has a purpose, some we realise immediately, and yet others, much later. My friendship with my colleague Valliappan who introduced me to the wisdoms of Ramana Maharishi, brought me to Thiruvannamalai. Greeja and I took abode to the peace and serenity of this place. 

Annamalai Temple

A view from Arunchala Hill

Today is Karthigai Deepam, an auspicious day for Arunachala. One of the earliest mentions of Karthigai celebration is recorded in Ahananuru (Sangam poem between 2nd BC - 3rd AD). In fact this event of Karthigai Deepam,  pre-dates the celebration of Deepavali or Navarathri. 

Though there are several Puranic stories that has been told to signify why we celebrate Karthigai Deepam festival, I will not dwell into that here. But from a philosophical perspective, a "lamp" has always been symbolically connected to spiritual pursuit. The lamp is existence, the oil is body and mind, the wick is our ego, the flame is the spiritual wisdom. As one achives a higher state of consciousness, like the flame, it diminishes worldly attachments, and it re-defines existence. 

So Kaarthigai Deepam is not merely a celebration like any other festival be it Deepavali or Navarathri where it is celebrated owing to the victory of good over evil, but which is an act of spiritual significance.

For Greeja and I, Ramanashram and Arunachala Hill have attained primary significance in our lives. The journey began on that day, when we took our first step going around Arunachala Hill, inspite of heavy rain and that too being escorted by the dog. I will take that as an acknowledgement of my quest. It has been said that once one has visited Thiruvannamalai, he or she is bound to retun for future visits, which rings true in our case.  Its like a magnetic pull or a calling of sorts.  Since then we have made frequent visits every year.  Our lives have changed.

Like any other journey to the unknown, there was never a dull moment, most of the time balancing the extremes. But being a Trekkie, I am inspired by William Shatner's famous quote, albeit a modified version, "To Boldly Go, Where 'Few Men Have' Gone Before." 

Arunachala Hill Trail 

To Everyone Observing Karthigai Deepam, Do Take This Opportunity To Self-Reflect and Have a Meaningful Thought While Lighting The Deepam (Lamp). 

Ravi Varmman

0408

Subang Jaya

29112020

  

A REQUIEM

 

A Requiem

"Rau mein hai rakhsh-e-umr kahaan dekhiye thame

Nai haath baag par hai, na paa hai rakaab mein"

Mirza Ghalib (Urdu Poet, India, 1797-1869)

Meaning in English.

“The horse of the times is on the gallop,

Let us see where it stops,

The rider has neither the reins in his hands,

nor his feet in the stirrup.”

Perhaps this beautiful poem written by Ghalib may have had its own connotation during his time, but I find this simple couplet resonates the uncertainties of life itself.

We know not when we are born, likewise we know not when we die, and we know not what would happen in the space between life and death. But one thing is certain, that if we are born, then we are surely going to die.

Death seems to be the only certain in life.

Today I received a deeply saddening news, that my cousin's husband had passed on. He was driving back from work as usual and suffered a head on collision from an oncoming vehicle and his life expired on the spot of the accident.

He was an absolute gentleman, always with a smiling predisposition, a loving husband, doting father, and a young grandfather too. He had no known illness, a teetotaler and always young at heart, but the fate of human mortality took its toll.

Like Ghalib’s poem, it dawned to me that no matter what we do, it appears we are not in control of our existence. The cosmic logic seems to chart its own direction exponentially, according to its whims.

Perhaps our role is to merely play out the charted course laid in front of us, or can we make a difference by making our lives more meaningful.

As a rider, we can most definitely ride safe, by trying not to fall off the horse. Or whilst riding, enjoy the scenery as it comes by. And perhaps we can even ride along with fellow travelers on the same path, making our lives as well as other, interesting.

Ghalib’s poem resonates profound meaning for reflection. Beyond the uncertainties of life, it is only human to live life to the fullest and meaningfully.

To my dear Maniam, You have lived your life to the fullest, though your loved ones will never have enough of you, but the horse has stopped its gallop, and you have reached the end of your journey……

🙏AUM TAT SAT🙏

A Ride For Everyone, the Gaze of the Boy towards the Journey Ahead

(Bukit Gundaling, Brastagi, North Sumatra, Indonesia)

Ravi Varmman

1618

Subang Jaya

28102020

What Is In The Language

Language is fraught with many battles, loss of life and property. It has divided families and friends and has reunited foes. It got me thinking today, when there was a sudden burst of anger from a friend in one of my whatssapp groups. He was commenting on the use of Sanskrit in Hindu rituals, where his contention sits on the premise that any hyms, gospels or mantras should be recited in a language that is understood by its congregation. Well he has a valid point, because blind prescription is definitely meaningless.

But my question to him was, is he angry with the language or is he angry that he don't understand the language. And that brought me to case study that my students presented this morning about the failed alliance between Swedish Volvo and French Renault way back in 1990. One of the highlights of the said failure was the language barrier between the Swedes and the French. Neither spoke each other's language so they opted for English as a medium of communication. But the French are known for their historical aversion to English. So it seems that the marriage was already doomed even before it got started.

Which then brings to the question of which is the oldest language in the world. That has been the subject of much debate and historical misrepresentation since the Renaissance. The Aryan invasion theory mooted by Western scholars like Max Mueller and Mortimer Wheeler and the likes who called themselves the Indologist have given legitimacy to Sanskrit as being the oldest language in the world by peddling the idea that it was a European import. Whereas scholars like K Loganathan with latter research have linguistic evolutionary evidence indicating that Sanskrit was actually Sumeru (Sumerian) Tamil, originating from the Middle East.

Regardless of the nature and origin of languages, I believe that every language has evolved with its own contextual relevance. 

In the case of the Bible, it was originally recorded in Aramaic, and much later in Latin, and today it is translated almost in all languages. As far as the Quran is concerned, it was originally written in Classical Arabic, and today the complete text has been translated in 47 languages. What about the Vedas then, the ancient Vedic text? It was originally written in Sanskrit, and today it has been translated in many languages, mostly by scholars. However as far as the use of Sanskrit is concerned, it is still actively used in Hindu rituals. The obvious reason is that the temple priests have somewhat became the guardian of the language owing to its relevance in their profession. Of course owing to language liberation and awakening in India, many temples in India have started using translated versions in their respective regional languages. 

So this is where the distinction between Shabdha Pramana and Artha Pramana comes in. Shabdha Pramana is the evocation of sounds where the vibration of the sound is supposed to create certain physio-psychological reaction to the beholder. Whereas Artha Pramana is the evocation of words or sentences that are supposed to create socio-psychological reaction on the beholder. 

The utterance of the sound "Aum" in Hindu practices, vocalised as "aa-uu-eemm", is an example of Shabdha Pramana. This word itself does not have any meaning but making the said sound in the manner described is suppose to create vibration in three different parts of one's body. The "aa' invokes vibration on the navel and abdominal area, the "uu" would focus on the chest, and the "eemm" then brings the vibration to the throat. Basically by vocalizing AUM one is actually bringing the energy from the abodomen right up to the brain. Hence the sound AUM cannot be translated in any other language, because it is not a word at all, but merely an invocation of a particular vibration. There are many such sounds in Sanskrit, Tamil and other languages which are known as vocables, uttered to produce specific vibration. Another example would be the native American chants, which basically does not have any specific words but each sound denotes specific vibratory elements of the nature. 

In the case of Artha Pramana, it focusses on the meaning of the word, sentence or even a particular mantra or hymn. For exampe the famous Triyambagam Manthra, 

Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam
Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan
Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-mrtaat

Meaning In English,

 We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes all. Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death, from mortality.

So in the case of Artha Pramanam, the meaning of the mantra is supposed to establish certain conditioning in the mind of the beholder. Therefore such mantras can be translated and used in respective languages, so that it will be uttered with absolute understanding and eventually leading to a purposeful action.  

I suppose critics and revisionists should look at the contextual use and application of a particular language before they overtly criticize it. 

To my friend I would say, if you are intereseted in The Republic, by Plato, it's best read it in Greek, to fully understand the mindset of the philosopher, otherwise look up for the many translations, which are not bad at all. So the onus is on the beholder to quench his/her thirst rather than blaming the poor tree that has been there for time immemorial providing shade for those seeking its shelter.

Inscriptions written on Rajendra Cholan's Tomb, both in Tamil and Sanskrit

Rajendra Cholan I (947AD-1014AD), Burial Tomb

By the way Rajendra Chozhan I, is one of the greatest maritime King of the Choza Kingdom, a Tamil Kingdom that ruled supreme, extending his empire to South East Asia up to the present day Vietnam. Inscriptions left by Choza's were all written in both Tamil and Sanskrit. Even the Khmer Kingdom, in present day Cambodia, which was credited to the building of the Angkor Wat, has incriptions written both in Tamil and Sanskrit. The use of dual language or multi language was very common in ancient times. In the case of the Chozha Kingdom, Tamil was used as an administrative language and Sanskrit for religious purpose. 

Angkor Wat

Thus is the fate of languages, over time either it expands further, branches out into different languages or eventually meets it's death.     

So why fret, lets embrace whichever makes one comfortable, after all language is merely a tool for us to understand each other.

Only if more people understand this, the world will be better place to live. 

Ravi Varmman 
0804
Subang Jaya
271020

To be Or Not To Be

 To Be, Or Not To Be, That Is The Question:

"Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.

For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,

Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,

The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,

The insolence of office, and the spurns

That patient merit of th'unworthy takes,

When he himself might his quietus make

With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,

But that the dread of something after death,

The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn

No traveller returns, puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have

Than fly to others that we know not of?

Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,

And thus the native hue of resolution

Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,

And enterprises of great pitch and moment

With this regard their currents turn awry

And lose the name of action."

Shakespeare from Hamlet by Hamlet

Reading the soliloquy from the tormented soul of Hamlet, the struggle seem so surreal that no one can escape from that dilemma at some point in their life. He is reflecting on his own life representing humanity as a whole, as to the purpose of life. Hamlet is questioning the value of life and asking himself whether it's worthwhile to live. He is extremely depressed at this point and fed up with everything in the world around him, and he is contemplating putting and end to himself. Ironically this lament by Hamlet appears to have been written so aptly, none other than to reflect the anguish faced by millions of people around the world owing to the Covid19 pandemic. Beyond the death due to the virus many more are succumbing to the consequence of the sudden economic depression owing to the pandemic. 

But today I read a self - written obituary by an individual who appears to have lived a full life despite the adversaries thrown at him in his 72 year journey. Below is his obituary that was published in his face book account upon his death.

"I regret to inform you that my vintage vehicle that was being restored, in spite of the best mechanics in India with mastery over their craft, modern tools and expertise at their command, did all they could to revive it, but unfortunately did not succeed. 

The engine gasket blew, the engine housing cracked, the pistons seized, and the old jalopy is now ready to be scrapped. 

Luckily a few parts that have survived destruction will be donated to other similar vintage vehicle owners who can put them to good use in their own machine. 

Must say that for the most inhospitable terrains around the world that I drove it for 72 years, guzzling 'fuel' of all sorts, adding additives that defy description and logic, surviving desert temperature highs, to colds that can freeze the balls of a brass monkey, it has served truly well. 

It surely will be remembered. 

Thank you

 (An official announcement about the scrapping of the vintage machine will be released in the press soon.),"

A Self written Obituary by the late Ejji K Umamahesh

who passed away recently.

17.10.1948 - 16.10.2020

This gentleman's take on life and himself is so refreshing and motivational that I felt re-invigorated and blessed to be alive. Not many have been gifted to write their own obituary, but his reflection on himself using an automobile as a metaphor was simply brilliant. 

One question I often ask my students is, do you see the mirror everyday? The most common answer I get is, yes of course sir. The next question is, what do you see? And the most common answer is, ME. The third question I ask is, do you like what you see? And this time I normally don't get a straight answer. Upon probing most of them would start talking about their physical appearance on the mirror. But when I press on further to ask, how much do they know the person that they see in the mirror, there is always an absolute silence.

The problem is most of us are so caught up with our mundane daily routine, including lazying around that we fail to look at ourselves for our sake. It's not about what we have,  it's about what we can do. If we realise that, life gets a little simpler. Unfortunately the obsession is towards pursuing what we don't have, to acquire that 'one' we do not possess. If only people start living by pusuing what they can do, definitely life would become meaningful not only for themselves but also for other people and the ecosystem they live in.

Life needs to be meaningful rather than being purposeful. Purposeful pursuit tends to be driven by external motivation, whereas meaningful pursuits are innner driven. Which in itself is a journey of self discovery.

Hamlet was 30, and Shakespeare was 35 when he wrote Hamlet, perhaps Shakespeare was fighting his own demons at that stage in life, and Hamlet was his outlet to vent out his torment Nobody really knows what happened to Shakespeare during the 7 lost years during his early adulthood. Theatre perhaps gave him an opportunity to discover himself. His death at the age of 52, was not so tragic, as it was recorded that he contracted fever after a day of drinking and merry making with his fellow poet buddies Michael Drayton and Benjamin Johnson. Strangely, it was recorded that Shakespeare died exactly one month after he wrote his will. 

So by reading the late Umamahesh's obituary I see a sense of liberation that he has achieved, detachment, non judgemental, forgiving and and most importantly having a great sense of humuor. Ability to laugh at oneself is the greatest virtue towards humility, and that rids one from the entrapment of ego, which is the evil that brings man down. 

Perhaps Shakespeare at his later stage in his life, saw that and switched from tragedy to tragicomedy......just a thought.

Regardless the pragmatism in Shakespeare is best described by his famous work, "Alls Well, that Ends Well."

Beyond the burden of the pandemic that all of us carry, this will be a good time to reflect the meaningfulness in our lifes. Who matters, what matters, why it matters, when it matters? Maybe it is a kind of cosmic intervention that has given us the time and space to self-reflect, to re-imagine and reconstruct our mortal existence. 

CHEERS MATES

Ravi Varmman

2317

Subang Jaya

10182020

      

IMPLIED IMPUNITY

A rare 59' Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie, in Melbourne. 

The recent Minneapolis incident where an officer of the law was recorded to have pressed his knees on an alleged suspect, which then was alleged to have caused the suspects death, seems to have again highlighted the primal boundary of "Qualified Impunity."

Interestingly the so called qualified impunity seem to not only be applicable to officers of the law and national security but it transcends to many others, including politicians, members of the government as well and civil servants in many countries.

On one hand we have a prime minister of one country who was refused a table at a local cafe and advised to wait her turn to be seated, because it was full. On the other hand there was a state legislative assemblyman of another country conduct a full scale marriage of his son whilst the country was going through a lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic.

The disparity is hugely diverse. Nevertheless, the unspecified rule of Qualified Impunity can be read in which ever way that pleases the beholder and whosoever the beholder is.

However from the case, Pearson vs Callahan (US), qualified immunity is boundered as, "Qualified immunity balances two important interests-the need to hold public officials accountable when they exercise power irresponsibly and the need to shield officials from harassment, distraction, and liability when they perform their duties reasonably."

In another case, Zadeh vs Robinson (US), the boundaries of the definition becomes even more blurred where the presiding judge stated that, "Doctrine of qualified immunity ought not be immune to thoughtful reprisal. The current manner in which it is judicially applied leaves victims violated but not vindicated; wrongs are not righted, wrong doers are not reproached, and those wronged are not redressed. It is indeed curious how qualified immunity excuses constitutional violations by limiting the statute Congress passed to redress constitutional violations. 

So the law speaks much about immunity ie. which in layman's terms, makes reference to a person who is granted freedom from being prosecuted. So what is impunity then? Well this means a person can act without facing any negative consequences. In a way impunity is a subset of immunity. Well based on the above cases, one thing is very clear, and that this whole concept fundamentally lacks clarity, leaving a very grey area for an eventual prosecution, in the event a violation can be proven.

If by law, it has so much of grey area, what more if the impunity is an implied version, which is in  the possession of people in power or position.

The George Floyd incident catapulted a phenomenal reaction so quickly which many did not anticipate. But the reality is that this incident could have been the tipping point for an already enraged society, and in the case of US, the frustrations are multifaceted.

Similarly in Malaysia, May 9th 2018 was the exact tipping point which led to the formation of a new government, over throwing a 62 year old governance that ruled supreme with implied impunity. The only difference was in Malaysia, the people used the ballot box to show their frustrations, and in the case of US, they went out on the streets.

I can't make any judgement whether one was a right action over the other, because I believe, to each its own, only the beholders knows what's best for them.

Like Sharukh Khan said in the movie Chennai Express, "never underestimate the power of the common man,"   I believe there is always a threshold of acceptance, beyond that even a timid person can become the David that defeated Goliath.

There is a saying in Tamil, "Saadhu Mirandaal Kaadu Kollathu", which translated in English,  means, "If The Calm One Is Angered, Even The Forest May Not Withstand Its Fury." The saying is self explanatory.

Implied Immunity has transgressed human dignity around the world from time immemorial, but the pace and its influence seems not to fade. Is it because of ignorance or apathy? Either way it lets down humanity and human intelligence.

The ongoing civil unrest in the US is the latest of the struggles that people all over the world have endured owing to the tyranny of implied impunity.

If implied immunity is not addressed, it can snowball into becoming the right of the beholder, and eventually leading to establishment of a skewed social construct. Many countries and its citizens have become prey to the predatory actions owing to implied impunity. In modern times, sadly, from Shah Redza Pahlavi to Robert Mugabe, and many others today, the usurped right of citizens have caused much socio-political calamities, that became the precursor for the destruction of nations.

We know it, but we never learn from history. The adage, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely", is more a norm than an exception.

Thus whether it is a matter of applied impunity or immunity, both are evils that man can be without. We can't go wrong if we adhere to the principles of social justice, for sometimes, even a law can be deemed unjust.

Only if more people appreciate the value of life for lives sake, the world will be a better place to live.

Ravi Varmman
0722
Subang Jaya
17062020