NELSONIAN KNOWLEDGE

WHAT AM I?

Lord Millet in a judgment in the House of Lords in 2002 said, "It is dishonest for a man deliberately to shut his eyes to facts which he would prefer not to know. If he does so, he is taken to have actual knowledge of the facts to which he shut his eyes. Such knowledge has been described as "Nelsonian knowledge", meaning knowledge which is attributed to a person as a consequence of his "wilful blindness" or (as American lawyers describe it) "contrived ignorance".

Who is the Nelson that Lord Millet is referring to? Well it is none other than Admiral Horatio Nelson, of British Royal Navy. As history records, that Nelson was blinded in one eye in his early stewardship with the Royal Navy. At the battle of Copenhagen in 1801, in order to defy orders from the  then Commander of Chief to retreat, Nelson intentionally placed his telescope on the blind eye and said,  "I have a right to be blind sometimes. I really do not see the signal," and he pushed forward his vessel into battle.

Interestingly this was a story that I read a long time ago, but a recent incident tickled my senses to revisit the phrase. John Walcott a correspondent of TIME magazine, during an interview with Brooke Baldwin of CNN on the topic of US Presidential Intelligence briefing, used the phrase "willful ignorance" with respect to Trump's action on the matter.

When the President of US of A, thinks that Button and Nipple are part of India, that should be pretty nightmarish for the personnel who work for the US$81 billion dollar a year, intelligence entity. By the way forgive me for not clarifying what Button and Nipple means, actually that's how the President of US of A had been alleged to have pronounced Bhutan and Nepal.

MY LIFE IN THE BOX

Willful ignorance is a contemporary terminology that means the same as Nelsonian Knowledge.

However Nelson may have had his reason, to act deliberately to pursue his agenda, whilst knowing very well of the orders that may come from the Commander in Chief of that day, should he use the non impaired eye.

Unfortunately, today, blatant ignorance seems to be the order of the day. A blinkered vision mars good sense and intelligence in many people. Be it political ideology, economic models, social order as well as religious dogmas. 

It appears that people can see but they are not looking, they can hear but not listening. I dread to think that we are probably at the brink of a zombie apocalypse.

In one country, a Minister of Internal Affairs upon returning from overseas, was immediately arrested at the airport on charges of corruption. On the other hand in another land a Deputy Foreign Affairs minister claimed he was educated at a prestigious university, which he was not, but his colleagues came to his defense claiming that afterall he did not commit rape or steal. What bothers me is the level of tolerance at the latter speaks volume of the state of mind of the people there.

The danger will be when the willful ignorance of a numero uno of an entity is fed willfully by his /her lackeys which in turn becomes a fodder for the creation of  a false ego of the numero uno, which can be destructive not only to the numero uno but also to the institution the person represents. 

Former Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe is a case in point, where in his pursuit to bring  socio-economic justice to the Shonas, he destroyed the entire Zimbawean socio-economic platform established by the earlier colonial government. What was set out to bring his poor Shona people out of misery, ended up just the opposite.

In the corporate world Michael Dell of Dell Inc. would be a classic case in point. He started his company when he was 19 years old, by 2001 Dell became the largest computer provider in the world. All that started to spiral downwards, as the company was hounded by inscrutable decisions, legal problems and stunted innovation  which points to the numero uno at that time. 

Both individuals suffered the endemic ego as their parasitic affliction. Were they conscious of this? I believe their willful ignorance, coupled with willful feeding by the minions around them, sugar coated their problems.

This problem seem more pronounced now than ever before. That's ironical isn't it? Aren't we more knowledgeable now than say 30 years ago, having access to more information within our finger tips? 

Perhaps that's our problem, information over load, can't handle the volume, too much to compute and decipher. So what's the solution, compartmentalize information based on need and interest. No fret,  that's taken care too.  Our very own social networking platform and search engines are already doing just that.  

At the end of the day, we are only exposed to what has been predetermined by us, unless of course we want to leave our comfort zone and seek anew. Takers are limited I believe, and the rest of the world goes on believing what they have been programmed to believe. 

So ignorance can be bliss but in world that is governed by disruptions, shorter technological developmental cycles, extreme people diversity, I believe not only the numero uno, but all of us have to come out of this quagmire to ensure 'real' human development. 

Otherwise we will end up as the "Dead Living." 

If you know what I mean, the opposite of the "Living Dead."

I AM OUT OF THE BOX

By the way the story of Lord Horatio Nelson does not end there, his intentional decision to disobey Lord Hyde Parker the then Commanding Admiral, and the eventual ceasefire with Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark brought triumph not only to Britain but Nelson was appointed as Viscount Nelson of Nile, the new Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy. Poor Lord Parker was recalled to London and was stripped of his position.

If only the British fleet commanded by Nelson lost that day owing to his insubordination, perhaps history would have been rewritten.

Four years later, Nelson died at Trafalgar at the young age of 47. On the sunny afternoon of 21st October 1805, Nelson's fleet was facing the combined forces of the Franco-Spanish fleet, outnumbered and out gunned, Nelson pushed forward with his strategy to cut off communication and put the Franco-Spanish fleet into disarray which he indeed did. But alas his victory from the HMS Victory came with a huge price, he was fired at from the French navy ship " Redoubtable", just before it surrendered. Historical record states that Napoleon lived long enough to witness his victory of that day, and when Captain Hardy of HMS Victory came to report of the victory, Nelson quivered to Hardy, "Thank God...Thank God ..... I have done my duty" before he closed his eyes for the last time.

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson went down in British history as the greatest naval commander, a man who took pride in his character, career, who lived for his country, and most importantly as an officer who cared for his men.

Perhaps Nelson qualifies to be willfully ignorant. But can anyone choose to indulge in such wanton behaviour whenever he likes? Well Napoleon Bonaparte, who was Nelson's nemesis at the Battle of Trafalgar was also another character who suffered from willful ignorance. 

........but that story I will leave for another day.  

I AM ALIVE

Not all persons are built the same way, hence to LOOK, LISTEN and OBSERVE should be a mantra that all of should adhere to, rather living in falsehood. 

ravi varmman

23.29

Subang Jaya

7 February 2019 

  

  

MAN'S BEST FRIEND AT VARANASI

I AM THE BOSS

Have you ever been to a place where man's best friend is indeed a best friend where they roam freely without any inhibition.  Well, then welcome to Varanasi (aka Kashi and Banares), the land where dogs are the Boss.

Yeah we know you are doing the Tarpanam (ritual for the deceased), but were you kind to the deceased when Alive?

Have any one wondered why dogs have such privilege at Varanasi? Legend has it that Lord Kala Bhairava's companion was a dog. Who is Kala Bhairav  According to the Hindu Puranas, Kala Bhairava is another representation of Lord Shiva in the most terrifying form. In the Skanda Purana, the Lord Kala Bhairava emerged out of Shiva's third eye to subdue the egoist tryst that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had in claiming who is the most superior being. The Skanda Purana concludes that Brahma's 5th head was severed by Kala Bhairava to subdue Brahma's ego, resulting in  Kala Bhairava incurring the sin of Brahmahathya, where it is stated that the Brahma's head got stuck in Kala Bhairava's hands. Kala Bhairava was advised to walk through the 3 worlds to seek a place where his sins could be washed off. Finally arriving at Varanasi or Kashi, Brahma's head dropped off from Kala Bhairava's hand and ever since then, Kashi or Varanasi has been the spot where Hindus believe, by virtue of immersing oneself in the Ganges river at Kashi,  one's sins will be washed off so that the person could reduce their cycle of birth and death and eventually attaining liberation.

My Bed of Roses 

Over My Dead Body

We Need Our Tan

Kama (lust), Krodha (Anger) Loba (Greed), Moha (Temptation), Mada (Pride) and Matsarya (Jealousy or Envy) are all the manifestation of ones ego, hence the rise of Kala Bhairava within the philosophical context of Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism) was to destroy all the six enemies that inhibit one's spiritual growth which ultimately leads to one's liberation.

The Wretched Body Has To Go

So where does the dog come in this equation?  Well the dog represents undivided love. Although the story of Kala Bhairava was narrated differently in various literature, but one thing that was consistent in all was the companionship of the dog with Kala Bhairava, which stood steadfastly with Kala Bhairava in his journey through the 3 worlds.

So what shall we do Now?

Interestingly dogs play a significant role in Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism). Dogs have senses that can detect illness in people (medical science has already proven this) hence it is stated that even Lord Yama (Lord of Death) will be careful in taking away someone's life if the beholder has a dog in his home. 

Ok Hurry it up Bro, I can't be Waiting the whole Day

Saint Manikavasagar uses the word 'dog' 72 times in his composition of Shivite hymn, Thiruvasagam, to describe the concept of devotion towards divinity.

The Vedas mention that it is compulsory that one leaves a handful of food for the dog before going to bed, otherwise it is deemed that the house dweller is living in an incomplete house.

And I am sure all of us have heard about the chivalry of dogs throughout history and its bonding with children and adults alike.

Hence it is not surprising that dogs are referred to as man's best friend.

Hey whats Happening?

Is it any surprise that the reverse of dog is "GOD"?

Is it a coincidence?  I don't know.

My first encounter with a dog friendly environment was at Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It was not surprising since Tiruvannamalai was the home to Ramana Maharshi, a Saint who had lived all his life who practiced compassion to all beings, and in particular to dogs and especially towards Karupi the dog who had been his constant companion. Even up to today his values on compassion is evident at his Ashram, where dogs, peacocks, monkeys roam around freely in the grounds. 

For us our late KRYSTAL and ABBY (Abhirami) had always been our boon for comfort and love, and when they died it was indeed traumatic for our family.  Today we are blessed with ATHENA and ARYAAN, who came into our lives about 11 months ago, and happily chewed the front door, the wooden shoe rack, the brick wall and of course the innumerable foot wear. These are our everyday haunting, but the the siblings are still adorable.

The Majestic Krystal 

The Heart Melting Abhirami....Abhirami....

The Adorable Rascals Aryaan & Athena 

Back in Varanasi, everyday seems to be a "DOGS"  day out. As the photos describe, they come in all shapes, sizes and colours. To me it was a sight to behold, never saw so many dogs roaming free without a care or concern.

Ok I have been Marked

Don't you want to be my friend, I am the new kid on the Block?

With so much cruelty towards animals which  we see around us, perhaps Varanasi is a dogs paradise. Looking at these dogs, it gives hope on humanity, ie. KINDNESS. 

So the next time if you are in Varanasi and do come across a dog, feed it, perhaps you may wash your sins away........or at least you will have the satisfaction of feeding a stray.

ravi varmman

Subang Jaya

14.32

4th February 2019

        

FREEDOM II

FREEDOM IS NOT A REACTION;

FREEDOM IS NOT A CHOICE,

FREEDOM IS FOUND IN THE CHOICELESS AWARENESS

OF YOUR DAILY EXISTENCE 

AND ACTIVITY

Imagined Control

As expounded by Jiddu Krisnamurti, the state of unpremeditated, complete awareness of the present without preference, effort or compulsion.

Is this even possible today when we are hogged by a consumerist culture. A new world of quick fixes, even spirituality is seen as a commodity. 

The state of stillness would be impossible for distraction comes in all shapes and forms, and the most destructive one comes virtually. The virtual realm exposes one to an infinite probability of choice, which in it self becomes stifling, that strangulates our very own existence . 

Perhaps freedom of choice only expresses the ability for one to choose freely within a given choice in a particular boundary.

In one of my social networking group, someone proposed a view that man's ability to describe GOD seem very reflective of himself. My reply was, isn't it logical, where man's ability to imagine is determined as far as his faculties permits. So as much as he tries, his imagination is still boundered by what he is exposed, hence the concept of limitless is a misnomer within this perspective.

Imagination

Freedom should give the beholder the capacity for self knowledge and the ability to make free as well as rationale choices. Some say that with the advent of technological advancement with greater access to information people may embrace greater freedom. But this in fact is an oxymoron because what goes in the virtual world has its own conspiring theories. The internet has the capacity to magnify propaganda and politicize issues both at individual and societal level. Case in point is Cambridge Analytica and its alleged role in the US presidential election.

The paradox of boundered freedom can be clearly seen none other than in the US where Americans are spending more money trying to defend their right to free speech than benefiting from it.

So is there real freedom as aspired by Jiddu or have we been conned to believe in an assumed utopia that we are living with free will, just because we believe that we are an independent and rational thinking consumers.

But then again what about the bombardment of advertising that constantly hounds us ...........

Bounded Mind

Confined Mind

Abraham Lincoln and Mohandas Gandhi had their tryst with freedom and we all know the consequences, neither the proponents lived to see their efforts nor the benefactors fully realized its outcome.


ravi varmman
Subang Jaya
18.36
29 January 2019

My Tryst With KumbhMela

It was my inner calling that brought me to the Triveni Sangham (Meeting of Three River's) the merging of river Yamuna, Ganga and the mystical Saraswati, to be here exactly on the auspicious period of Kumbh Mela at Prayargh, Allahabad.

Wanted to be at the exact point of the Sangham, boatman Kaka made sure of that. I was accompanied by Mr & Mrs Sushil from Varanasi, strangers who were destined to share my experience.

I took a dive from the platform, almost breast level, the freezing water had a numbing effect for a few seconds, but slowly I felt a calming sense.

After taking the third dip head in the water there was this feeling of nothingness which I have never felt. I guess the fusion of being overwhelmed by being at the Kumbh, the Triveni Sangham, and the freezing water gave this adrenaline rush that I have never felt before.

At that fleeting moment everything stopped, but I know I was there, I was conscious, but there was nothing.

I liked that feeling.

After that, experience, I had the most colourful sight visiting the Baba's tents, they are the most eccentric people that I have ever seen.

India has always been an enigma. For many these Baba's could be a "Tamasha", for others it could be a photography feast, and to the faithful, a blessing is hoped, but very few, really attempted to understand this way of life. From the interaction I had with a few of them, their purpose seems as diverse as they are.  But to me they are not only intriguing but very inspiring too. 

And of course what is a festival without traders. They come in all shapes and sizes. Amazing entrepreneurial talent. This in it self is feast to the eyes.

I am still recovering from the overwhelming effect of this experience, truly humbling. 

These Siberian seagulls are migratory birds, who travel thousands of miles from the harsh winters of the Siberian hinterland. They will be a common sight till March.

The entire event has shown me how small the 'i' is. 

The more I seem to know, the more I realise how much I don't know. 

My dear friend Harish, from Varanasi shared a quote yesterday, he said "We are so obsessed of using a telescope to see things afar but failed to see within oneself using a microscope." A simple analogy but with profound wisdom. 

The search continues..............

ravi varmman

26 January 2019

21.51

Varanasi

India.

Note:
My friend Harish and wife run a Homestay at Varanasi. Great people, wonderful hospitality.
Contact: homestayvaranasi.in 

BEYOND FAITH

Like in many previous years I had fulfilled my pilgrimage this year at Velayuthar Temple Batu Caves. It felt good, reinvigorating, inspiring, and highly motivating. This has been an annual event for my family, where the youngest to the oldest, participate in carrying Paal Kudam (Milk Pot) up the 272 steps to energize mind and body.

Many reasons have been given to this ritual, but the most common would be to thank the Lord Muruga for his divine intervention in our lives.

For the sick, beyond the hands of a skillful doctor, faith gives them courage and strength to go through a particular treatment.

For a student, beyond his or her effort in preparing for an examination, faith gives clarity of focus to achieve the desired outcome.

To a job seeker beyond equipping oneself with the necessary skills and knowledge faith gives hope for a better job.

Thus there could be many reasons why the "faithful" perform such or any other act to thank the divine for the believed intervention.

But the philosophy behind the "VEL", Lord Murugan's lance embodies great value as a guide to one's journey called life.

The shape of the lance "Vel" which has a broad 'head' representing the need for broadness of the mind, followed by the sharp pointed edge representing sharpness of knowledge and the long length of the shaft depicting the depth of thought. In totality the VEL represents WISDOM, something that many lack. 

The entire act of fasting and preparing both mentally and physically for the pilgrimage definitely requires greater discipline, which in itself is an act of detoxification.

Ultimate human progression leads to the development of higher consciousness, as such a disciplined articulation of body and mind would pave the way for clarity of pursuits. 

Many look for happiness and peace via religion and religious practices, hoping for a divine intervention either for the present or even for an eventful afterlife. Unfortunately many are so focused on embracing religion and religious rituals that they fail to see within on how to be a good human being.  

An act of "Kavadi" bearing (carrying the milk pots balanced on a wood or sugarcane) gives a sense of humbling to the bearer making one realize that the cosmos is definitely bigger than one's ego. 

I have found solace in many places of worship, be it a Mosque, Church, Synagogue, Gurdwara, Temple or even the Mausoleum of Spiritual Masters.  In all of them, I have  experienced positive vibrations or energy that gives a good feeling. I have come to the realisation that Religion is merely a means to higher consciousness but religion itself is not the end. Hence there are many spiritually enlightened masters who do not belong to any specific boundered philosophies. 

If only more people understand the logic of their actions, the world will be a better place.

Vetri Vel, Veera Vel

Lance of Victory, Lance of Bravery

Bravery to face all challenges, and Victory To all Pursuits

Ravi Varmman
21 January 2019
Subang Jaya. 

The Cosmic Dance

Today is 2nd January, a new day like any other day just began. 1st January will be a memory and eventually will be forgotten. All the celebration and merry making from Christmas till New Years Eve would have ended, some with hangovers, others with bloated food binge, and many others would have just slept through the New Year.

Some may have promised new year resolutions, and for many, it's just another year, like many others that they have crossed.

Reflecting on Shiva's Cosmic Dance, 'Anandatandava,' meaning the Dance of Bliss, symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death, should remind us of our responsibility as a human being.

photo@chennaidomesticairport

Another year, another period of borrowed time, let us strive to be a better human being.

May we be guided in the righteous path.

Have a Great Year Ahead.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sounds the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

In remembering Robert Frost whose treasures have now been officially deemed public.

A very inspiring poem that has changed many lives, including that of yours truly.

The seeker's thirst is never quenched, with every mile seemingly just a precursor to the next. Some miles may seem longer than others, without a realization that a mile is just a mile, although to the feeble mind it stretches according to one's imagination.

To rise above the duality of mind would give a better comprehension of existence, hence a better grasp of the mile, which in turn inspires persistence and conviction in facilitating one's passion and pursuits.

Thank you Robert Frost for keeping the flame in me constantly burning.

Ravi Varmman
2nd January 2019
Subang Jaya.