| Mr Nelson R Mandela 1918-2013 Pic- Google Images |
Aum
Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam
Aum
Namo Narayanaya
Last
week, work took me to the virgin territories of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Travelling away from the ocean, the roads lead me to the green country where
the humble valleys co-existed peacefully alongside the regal mountains,
harmoniously drinking off the same river. The air was bathed with a healthy
dose of oxygen and coolness, enough to re-invigorate the slouching mind.
Enslaved by the curvature of the road, I continued until I was eventually
greeted by an open plateau draped with a green sheet of wild grass, and
arranged with the most exquisite place setting of dandelions. Standing
boldly in the stillness of the day, they claimed their dominion over the
fields... preaching the way of life through their elegant yet boisterous full
bloomed bulbs. But alas it was not to last, the gentle south eastern
current wafting through scattered its pride amidst the giggling grass.
Reduced
to a de-feathered stalk unable to face the challenge, it turned grey with
gloom. I stood still as a silent witness, in awe at this spectacle of nature
and found a striking resemblance to the play we call life.Humans
boast such a strong and fortified outlook, yet really are like the dandelion...
so fragile.......
glanir
bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam
adharmasya
tadatmanam
srjamy aham
Whenever
and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata,
and a predominant rise of irreligion --at that time I descend Myself.
The
above was a guarantee given by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
I remember as a scholar, I was not interested in reading much, therefore I used to search frantically for a movie that was based on our set-book so that I would be able view it and write an analysis and review on the book.
Fortunately
for those who have taken birth in this time, if for some reason you have not
considered reading the Gita, you are fortunate enough to study the lives of
great saints like Swami Vivekananda
eulogised as the cyclonic monk - who was verily the walking, talking, breathing
embodiment of Bhagwan's message.
And
if you were fortunate to be born in South Africa during my era you would have
had the opportunity to walk the earth with an icon that moved the world and
united a country devastated and segregated by the most inhumane system of
oppression. In my light, He indeed was an enlightened being and a yogi. Nelson
Mandela breathed his last breath peacefully on 5 December 2013 at his home in
Houghton, Johannesburg just before 9pm. The world jerked with emotion as the
news reached every corner with tributes pouring in from the highest offices to
the common man - a clear indication that his life was one that resonated with
every level of society.
Addressing
the fundamental foundations of Vedanta: that being freedom and liberation as preached by
Swamiji - "When we have succeeded in preventing all the forces in the
world from throwing us off our balance, then alone we have attained to freedom,
and not before." Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the cause of
liberating us from the yoke of oppression. He courageously and selflessly
together with his other comrades launched an assault on the regime that
stripped the dignity and fundamental human rights from South Africans.
Having
been incarcerated for 27 years on Robben Island, the freedom fighter and hero
of the nation was subjected to cruel and harsh punishment meted out by the
prison authorities. Notwithstanding all this... upon his release he killed and
dismantled the enemy with love, kindness, humility and dignity --- all
qualities of a true Yogi.
It
was those 27 years on Robben Island that bestowed this sense of enlightenment
and peace into his life; I therefore refer to these years as his years of
tapasya and austerity. It would be regarded as normal human behaviour for
someone who having been exposed to such disrespect would return guns blazing, seething
with anger and hatred, to reap revenge.
The
verse from the Gita which dawns upon me at this time with great relevance is
Chapter 15, Verse 1.
Sri
Bhagvan Uvaca
urdhva-mulum
adhah-sakham asvattham prahur avyay chandasi yasya parnani yas tam veda sa veda
vit
Any
normal tree would have its roots in the ground and the leaves in the air. Here,
Sri Krishna speaks of the converse. This relates to the roots being in the
world and the leaves which are the Vedas being in our consciousness. The roots
are the nourishment for the leaves. Therefore in this scenario of the
conversed-tree, the roots are taking nutrition from the material world and
nourishing the leaves in our consciousness. We all live by our own mantras
which we formulate through our contact with the world. The Vedas are
essentially made up of mantras. Mantras can be translated as that which
strengthens the mind. If our consciousness, minds and thoughts are being
nourished by the sense-driven material world, then we are in trouble... because
our everyday lives are fashioned by our inner thoughts and samskaras. The Lord
in the following verses said that we should cut down this tree with the axe of
renunciation and then only can we achieve the goal of realisation. All our
actions and thoughts should be rooted in the divine consciousness and not the
world. Then, and only then, will we be able to see peace and transformation in
the world. It was this connection with his inner being and spirit that returned
Nelson Mandela as the saviour to a country that was heading for civil war and
bloodshed.
We
have heard and read of the Gandhis, Martin Luther Kings, Sivajis, Aurobindos,
etc. but it was truly great to have lived with the Mandela. I will treasure
with my heart the occasion that I met and spoke with him. The aura of positive
divinity that he radiated has left an indelible mark on my consciousness.
Nelson
Mandela has practically shown us the teachings of our great saints and our
scriptures. He lived the values and practiced the Vedanta. Therefore today, not
just South Africans mourn his passing on, but the entire humanity recognises
the shining light of divinity he radiated. I pray his soul guides our country
and world to righteousness, peace and prosperity. All our spiritual practices
will lead us to a final goal of purity and in this month we celebrate that very
embodiment of purity in the life of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. May Mother bless
the world so that tears, pain and suffering are removed. Let the New Year usher
charitable feelings towards one another winding its way towards harmony and
prosperity. O Mother, may you protect us and be with us always, is my sincere
prayer. Wishing everyone a Happy Festive Season and enligntened New Year.
I will connect with you all once again on the 12 January 2014. Be
blessed and safe.
Hambe
Kahle Tata Mandela!!!!
Yogan
Naidoo
