Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
On Wings and Wheels is the publication we are delving into currently. It
takes the form of a series of Q&As from devotees to HH Pujya Gurudev Swami
Chinmayananda. There are many sections and subsections to this book - not all
will be given, but it is hoped that the general thought-flow will not be broken
for those omissions. To obtain the full picture and essence of the discussions,
do consider attempting to purchase the text from the link above; it is
currently only available from India.
Gurudev's responses during the sessions contained in this text have
all been practical, whilst maintaining Vedantic outlook. This will be the final
post based on the book. What remains is best summarised, rather than
maintaining the full Q&A format used thus far. This is because there is
still actually quite a lot to convey, but a large chunk of it pertains
specifically to examples in Sanskrit literature and do not necessarily have to
be conveyed here. It will be good, though, to round off the exploration into
morality with a brief look at questions raised with regard to what are termed
'the grey areas'.
The questioner wished to hear Gurudev's views on euthanasia; he was
very clear that there should be no act upon a person's body which could be
considered as killing - that is to say, no injecting or inhalation or ingestion
for specific purpose of death. However, he definitely favoured that, provided
there was a sufficient body of medical opinion that no further treatment of a
case was truly of benefit (i.e. not prolonging suffering of the individual for
the sake of those attached to the individual), then withdrawal of all
treatments was to be favoured. In the event of a body continuing, regardless of
that withdrawal, the family and community must accept it and watch over with
love and respect, giving succour if required, until the spirit surrenders. Nature
must take its own course. [Whilst he did not
specify it here, one can be reasonably certain that Gurudev would not object to
palliative relief - he is talking here of the withdrawal of treatments which
are artificially maintaining life.]
On the matter of abortion Gurudev confirmed that, along with most
religions, abortion as such is considered a wrong action, if abortion is
defined as the taking of a life. However, the Rsis had stated (and now modern
medicine is inclined to demonstrate the same) that consciousness is not present
in the foetus until around the twelfth week of pregnancy and therefore, it
cannot be considered as a taking of life to abort prior to that time, given
that 'life' in human terms is generally accepted as having consciousness of
self, mind, intellect etc. Prior to the end of first trimester, it might be
considered that there is no individuality and therefore 'life' is not being
taken.
Indecision was asked about. There are times when things are not
black and white and we have difficulty, or fear consequences… Gurudev says do
not be afraid. You have the facts, you gather the info, make a decision. What
does it matter if later it seems to have been a mistake? Mistakes give us
experience and teach us discrimination and thus we make better decisions later.
Don't be afraid to act… and don't be afraid if one has to correct that action
later. That is life! If you find that something you chose to do turns out to be
an error or even a 'sin', you can then choose to take corrective action. You
can make recompense. Choice is a key and important factor for the human
creature. That is where having a core set of high values can make the
difference. They provide a map and compass for making choices. We are also
provided with a conscience, so that when an act is less quality than our values
would expect of us, we can self-monitor and self-correct. Of course there are
those, as we know, dependent upon their dominant guna, who are insensitive and
will act in a manor not conducive to positive community living and so on. The
rest of community has a duty then to help them in their correction… thus it
goes on.
That is where it rises into the arena of politics, economics and
such like. It is why it is important that, as a society, we pick leaders who
will do their utmost to keep things high, and not allow the lowest common
denominator to rule life.
There is a lengthy discussion regarding the choice of vegetarian
diet. Gurudev points out that, in fact, no Hindu script specifically says 'do
not eat meat'; what is stated is that what is consumed has its effect upon the
body and therefore the temperament. Therefore, if one wishes to live a
meditative and spiritual life, eating lightly of fruit and vegetables is much
more conducive than foods which agitate the system, or the foods which dull the
system altogether. The gunas of the personality are applied to the foods also.
If one wishes to be sattvika, then eat sattvika, if one must be active in the
world, then take some rajaasika foods… if one feels lazy and unmotivated, make
sure that not too much tamaasika exists in the diet. Take care not to mistake
moral high ground of eating vegetarian as being the same thing as being
spiritually noble! Neither is it to be said that if one is not a vegetarian, one
cannot be properly spiritual. Food is the fuel and the medicine of the body.
The better the fuel the less need for the medicine!
This may have seemed a slightly
strange choice as 'text' for this weekly study day; however, it is important to
remember that texts do not always have to be ancient literature, but also the
words of modern masters! It is hoped that you found things to ponder more deeply
and found some meaning - even one small thing - which made a difference to your
own thinking.
