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Total power corrupts totally

We generally begin relationships, occupations, religious quests, etc. with humility and attentiveness; however it appears to be human nature that, over time, we exhibit varying degrees of egoism and the resultant carelessness. In Sanskrit (the noble language of the Hindus), Pramada is a state of carelessness brought about by an over-inflated sense of self-importance. One might use the cliché: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. However, since the word absolute is used to denote a profound state of no-thing-ness, it is perhaps better to use the word total. Misuse of the word absolute is also found in attaching it to a perceived Divine Being (n.) as well to the numeral one creating the theological illusion of monotheism. From the wisdom of the Hindu sages: Yato vaco-nirvartante manasa saha. (Beyond speech is the absolute also beyond thoughts.)

A bit of reflection on Pramada will bring a tremendous clarity into the human condition and where we often go astray. Every individual and certainly every organization have varying degrees of an unhealthy dose of Pramada. Is it any wonder that lust for power, money and sex plague many politicians, executives, priests, gurus, etc.? Some remedies for Pramada are: Pramana, Prana(yama), Prasada and Prakrti Laya. Understanding the meanings of these Sanskrit words, one can apply this Hindu wisdom to their own religious (or, in a limited way, secular) background. Better understanding the religious/spiritual process, in general, helps to reduce the extreme views of the fundamentalist/universalist.

PRAMANA: authority; standard; rules. Pramana represents a common sense foundation and specially the invaluable bedrock of Hindu/Yogic Dharma. Pramana is the logical standard found in the Naya (logic) Darsana (insight/philosophy) and throughout the Hindu/Yogic religion. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, this Hindu Rishi begins with setting the Pramana foundation. With the secure footing of Pramana, the Hindu is always grounded. Specially, Pramana consists of Pratyaksa (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison) and Sabda (scriptural testimony). In referring to Pramana, Patanjali gets even more specially Saiva Hindu as he skips Upamana (having nothing else to compare) and focuses on specific Hindu scripture: Agama. The point of Pramana is to always be accountable to authority and never forget the foundational standards and rule of logic. With this intellectual standard, one avoids the depths of Pramada.

PRANA-YAMA: In avoiding Pramada, Prana-yama basically says it all. Pranayama: breathe. When full of one's self, pause, take a breath and reflect (count to ten). One seeks to get in touch with basic and subtle energies (prana) of life. The Hindu seeks to understand the wisdom of restraint (yama). The classic Hindu ethics the Yamas (compiled by Patanjali) are an integral part of Karma Yoga, the foundational Yoga or roots (Karma Kanda) that must always be nourished through continual practice. The Hindu Deity of death is also Yama. We all must face not only physical death but also death of the over-inflated ego which is conquered by a moral life or the Yamas:

Ahimsa: Be non-violent so that hostility does not attach itself to you.

Satya: Be truthful so that all one's actions are spontaneously right and true (ritam ca satyam).

Asteya: Avoid stealing and all treasures will come.

Brahmacarya: Be celibate to become truly manly.

Aparigraha: Non-receiving. Living the austere life of a solitary Yogi--part of which is perceiving past life events.

Note: Since Patanjali was a Yogi (a Hindu, male, celibate teaching Yogis in training, so to speak) the last two yamas are meant only for such individuals. However, Brahmacarya can also be understood as monogamous, tempered sexual relations between a married couple. Aparigraha is the true religious/spiritual spirit of giving, in other words, no price tag for the teachings.

PRASADA: grace. A inseparable part of eradicating the human condition known to the Hindus as Pramada is to seek grace; to pray; to realize there are MahaDevas (Hindu Spirit Beings) able to inspire and help. Prasada is Bhakti Yoga or the Yoga of devotion that succeeds Karma Yoga and precedes Raja Yoga or meditation. Prasada/Bhakti Yoga is the humble, wise recognition that we all need help on the Hindu path. Bow and stand tall. With a foundation of good Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga further creates a devotional attitude or posture (asana). Integral to Bhakti Yoga is Yogasana or Hatha Yoga (worshipful postures) . Assuming one steady comfortable pose (stirasukamasana: Patanjali's [only] reference to asana), all devout Hindus practice and are quite adept at Hatha Yoga as they sit (or stand) for long hours in the humble wisdom of the deep emotional experience of Bhakti Yoga.

PRAKRTI LAYA: devotion to the natural world. Literally, there is nothing more humbling than getting close to the earth (humus). Hinduism (like all indigenous religions) is very much a nature based "bare-foot" religion. The word for Hindu worship is puja (flower). In their profound daily rituals, all Hindus incorporate an understanding and appreciation for the earth and indeed the entire cosmos. The true Yogi (Hindu renunciant), sequestered in nature, epitomizes the wisdom of Prakriti Laya. In fact, for all those overly attached to the material world (which in these times is the overwhelming majority), Patanjali recommends Prakrti Laya (and not focusing on the body) as the way to overcome self-absorption. Bhavapratyayo videhaprakrtilayam-Yoga Sutras I.19. Ironically, the modern and shallow so-called "yoga" is the antithesis of this wisdom. In fact, for the very reason of the tendency to focus on the body, Hatha Yoga is supposed to, basically, be kept secret! From the Hatha Yoga Pradipika I.11.: Hatha vidya bhaveda yavate guhya niveda tu prakasanam (Hatha Yoga knowledge is powerful when kept secret and loses power when displayed.) Focusing on picture, personality and price tag, the spurious "spiritual but not religious" modern "yoga" movement has missed the entire point of Hindu/Yogic wisdom. Ethical and humble people, practice principles. To avoid Pramada, personality must always bow to principle. Not so long ago, Hindu priests, scholars and artists would not sign their Divine contributions to society. This practice of putting the ego into its proper place is something of which we could all benefit.

R(i)ta (from rtu/seasons) means the rules and regulations that express and hold the natural order together. Rta is synonymous with (Hindu) Dharma (to hold; religious law). In order to have genuine and lasting spiritual perception (prajna), one must first be full (bhara) of (in this case) the Hindu path or religion. Rtambhara tatra prajna. Yoga Sutras: I.48. Among other attributes, this initial (Samprajnata) calm wisdom (Samadhi) is characterized by possessing sound reason (Savitarka) and judgment or discrimination (Savicara). Vitarkavicaranandasmitarupanugamat Samprajnatah. Y.S. I.17. This necessary intellectual and ethical preparation lays the foundation for the rare renunciant (Hindu warrior of the within) to enter the Absolute Samadhi (Asamprajnata). Sraddhaviryasmrti Samadhiprajnapurvaka Itaresam. Y.S. I.20. In other words, it is the solid body of religious service, learning and experience that leads to the body-less Spirit/Soul so often talked about but so little understood. Sooner or later, one must find a religious path and make the arduous climb to the summit oneness and beyond. In fact, it demonstrates a lack of internal power to not be able to commit and consciously limit the mind to one direction. In Pada III.1, Patanjali defines the power that comes from the true practice of Yoga: Desa bandahscittasya dharana. (Limiting the mind field results in concentration [which precedes deep meditation].)

On our evolutionary life pilgrimage, we develop self-esteem which often becomes self-absorption. We must empty this narcissistic state to nurture a full-bodied religion which leads to the incorporeal Spirit/Soul/Self which then leads to the absolute no-thing-ness. Short circuiting this religious/spiritual process "obviously" does not work. So, the next time you feel (or have pointed out to you) an attack of Pramada, nip it in the bud and reach for the timeless Ayurvedic medicine and darsana of the religious, spiritual, scientific, Hindu, Yogic lifestyle.

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