One Game Wonders: The Unfair Game of Snap Judgments in Sports and Life

“A bad day at the office” – a phrase that resonates with many, whether you’re an office-goer, a student, or even a cricket player, say, in a high-stakes India vs. Australia World Cup match. But is it fair to judge an entire journey by one rocky step? Let’s explore this with a pinch of humor and a dash of reality.

1. The Rollercoaster of Sports: More Than Just a Game

Imagine this: India and Australia, two cricket giants, clashing in a World Cup thriller. The excitement is palpable, the stakes high. But what if one of these teams had an off day? Is it fair to label them as ‘under-performers’ based on this solitary showdown?

Picture Virat Kohli, known for his exemplary batting, having an off day. Does that one performance erase his record-breaking streaks? Of course not! Yet, in the heat of the moment, fans (and sometimes selectors) have a tendency to forget the past glory and focus on the present gloom.

2. Life’s Playing Field: Not So Different From Cricket

Now, let’s shift the pitch to everyday life. You nailed every project this year, but stumbled in the last one. Does that make you any less capable? Should your entire year’s effort be overshadowed by one less-than-stellar performance?

This brings us to the hilarious yet ironic reality of how we, as a society, often behave like a fickle cricket audience, changing our opinions as quickly as the British weather.

3. The Weighted Average Method: A Fair Play?

What if we could borrow a leaf from the book of mathematics and apply the concept of ‘weighted average’ in judging performances? In cricket, this could mean assessing a team or player’s performance over a series of matches rather than a single game.

Similarly, in life, imagine a ‘weighted average’ approach to evaluating performance – taking into account the entire spectrum of achievements and failures. Suddenly, that one ‘bad day’ doesn’t seem so catastrophic, does it?

4. The India-Australia Conundrum: A Case Study

Back to our cricketing scenario from yesterday’s match. Let’s say, hypothetically, one team had a disastrous day. Does that erase their previous victories, their hard work, or their skill? It’s like judging a Michelin-star chef solely based on one dish that didn’t meet your taste.

5. Conclusion: A Game of Balance

In essence, whether it’s cricket or life, it’s crucial to remember that consistency trumps momentary lapses. However, to be consistent, you need to practice and also have the right equipment.  If you are a musician you would need the right instrument and most importantly, the right sound system to carry your virtuoso performance as is to the audience. 

So, the next time you’re quick to judge a team (or a person) based on a single performance, remember: even Sachin had his bad days, but that never stopped him from being the Master Blaster.

And remember, in the grand game of life, we are all more than just our latest performance. Let’s strive for a balanced view, one that celebrates the journey, not just the destination.

The Chronicles of Fakery: My Tryst with a Luxury Watch

Hello, earthlings! Today, I embark on a journey, weaving through the lanes of our beloved earth we live in, where everything is as real as the hair on a bald man’s head. 

Let’s start with my latest escapade: purchasing a luxury watch at a price that would make even a street vendor blush.

The Bargain of a Lifetime

Imagine this: a luxury watch, the kind that usually costs an arm and a leg, available for just a tenth of its price. Why? Because it’s as ‘used’ as a politician’s promise and as ‘original’ as a Bollywood script. Each part of the watch hailed from a different ancestor, creating a horological Frankenstein on my wrist.

The Outcry from Friends and Family

When I flaunted my timepiece, expecting admiration, I was met with reactions that ranged from disbelief to outright mockery. My friends (or should I say, ‘fiends’?) and even some family members scoffed at my ‘fake’ watch.

The Hypocrisy of Fakery

This is where I had my lightbulb moment. I turned to my critics and asked, “Why all the fuss about my watch?” Isn’t the world we live in a grand stage of pretense?

Makeup: The Master of Disguise

Let’s start with makeup. Ah, the art of turning a plain face into a canvas of perfection. It’s like painting a masterpiece on a blank wall, isn’t it? But isn’t that faking it too?

Hair Dye: The Colorful Deception

And what about hair dye? Transforming grays into blacks, browns, reds, or even blues. Are we not all just walking, talking rainbows, hiding our true colors?

Implants: The Illusion of Perfection

Then there are implants. From silicon valleys on the chest to pumped-up muscles, it seems like our bodies are more customizable than our phones!

High Heels: The Towering Trickery

High heels deserve a special mention. They make you taller, sure, but at what cost? A lifetime of balancing like a circus performer on stilts!

And More…

The list goes on. Photoshopped pictures on social media, auto-tuned voices in songs, even the artificially ripened fruits we eat! Everything around us is touched by the fairy dust of fakery.

The Grand Conclusion

So, coming back to my watch. Yes, it might be as ‘genuine’ as a $2000 note from a Monopoly set. But in a world where everything is a facade, why single out my wrist companion? In the grand carnival of illusions, my watch fits right in, ticking away in its glorious inauthenticity.

The Moral of the Story

Next time you see someone sporting something ‘fake,’ remember, we’re all actors in this grand drama of life, each wearing our masks and costumes. And in this grand act, my dear friends, my watch and I are just playing our parts!

Until next time, keep laughing and questioning the ‘realness’ around you. After all, in the great circus of life, aren’t we all just clowns wearing different makeup? Stay amused, stay enlightened!

Where are you at?

The Ashrama system of Hinduism is a spiritual guidebook for adulting, ancient-style, neatly dividing life into four ‘seasons’. It’s about personal growth, responsibility, and ultimately, finding your chill. So let’s break down these ‘seasons’ with a dash of humor and some relatable modern-day analogies:

Brahmacharya: The Tutorial Level

  • Objective: Learn the basics, acquire skills, and survive puberty.
  • Challenges: Acne, first crushes, and the dreaded question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
  • Achievements to Unlock: Graduating without Googling every answer, mastering the art of small talk, and not burning the house down while attempting to cook.
  • Modern Twist: Think of it as the time when your life is a free trial subscription. You’re not yet fully subscribed to the ‘adult’ package with all its perks and responsibilities.

Grihastha: The Get-It-Together Game

  • Objective: Establish your empire, aka a family, a career, and a 401(k).
  • Challenges: Balancing work-life, remembering your partner’s favorite Netflix series, and raising kids to be decent human beings.
  • Achievements to Unlock: Buying your first house (and fixing the plumbing), attending parent-teacher conferences without a hitch, and actually going on a vacation without bringing your work laptop.
  • Modern Twist: It’s the ultimate role-playing game where you’re cast as the hero, and every day is a new side quest – from grocery shopping achievements to the legendary task of assembling furniture without leftover parts.

Vanaprastha: The Quest for the ‘Me Time’

  • Objective: Gradually step away from societal roles, pass the baton to the younger generation, and focus on personal growth.
  • Challenges: Resisting the urge to micromanage your adult kids, finding hobbies that don’t involve just watching TV, and not turning into a stereotypical ‘get off my lawn’ person.
  • Achievements to Unlock: Mastering an instrument, traveling to places you’ve only pinned on Pinterest, and starting a blog about your ‘adventures’.
  • Modern Twist: Think of it as hitting the ‘refresh’ button on your browser. The kids are alright, and it’s time to update your bucket list – skydiving, anyone?

Sanyasa: The Enlightenment Expansion Pack

  • Objective: Seek spiritual liberation and enlightenment, shedding material desires like last season’s fashion.
  • Challenges: Finding inner peace in a world buzzing with notifications, meditating deeper than your yoga instructor, and not bragging about your detachment.
  • Achievements to Unlock: Reaching a state of zen where you can actually hear yourself think, becoming one with nature (without the bug bites), and imparting wisdom that sounds tweet-worthy.
  • Modern Twist: This is the ultimate ‘unplugged’ experience. No more chasing promotions, it’s all about chasing sunsets and the meaning of life – maybe even start your own podcast on spirituality for the modern soul.

In essence, the Ashrama system is about evolving through various phases of life, each with its unique set of quests and challenges. It’s a reminder that life is not just about the destination, it’s about enjoying the journey, learning new skills, nurturing relationships, and eventually, finding peace within ourselves. So, as you level up through life’s stages, remember to pause and appreciate each level – because, unlike video games, there’s no reset button on the cosmic controller.

So, where are you at?

Legs – the long and the short of it

“Legs for Days (or at Least Until They Reach the Ground)”

You know, there’s a fine line between genius and insanity, and I may have pirouetted on that line a few winters ago. I thought, “Olympic snow sledders make it look so easy, sliding down icy tunnels at breakneck speeds. How hard can it be?” So, I decided to give it a try. Just one tiny issue: I forgot the sled. And as my quads met the icy earth with a thud, I had an epiphany. Not about snow sledding, mind you, but about legs. Yes, legs.

Most of us don’t give our legs the appreciation they deserve. Unless you’re a model strutting down the runway with legs that seem to stretch on for miles, or the renowned swimmer Micheal Phelps, whose legs look positively stunted next to his ripped torso, you probably don’t think much of these appendages that keep you standing.

Our legs are, curiously, almost as long as our trunk. But why? Why would nature gift us with such lengthy limbs to carry around our torsos and heads? Was there a hiccup in the grand scheme of things? Did Mother Nature think, “Let’s give them stilts and see what happens”? Did evolution have a brain fart?

I’ve often marveled at how humans decided to evolve to be bipedal. Why didn’t we get six legs like an insect or no legs like a snake? But more so, why did we get such LONG legs? I mean, the longer the leg, the farther the fall when you’re imitating Olympic snow sledders, right?

Now, snarky people have been questioning this leg conundrum for quite some time. One such fellow had the audacity to ask none other than Abraham Lincoln about the ideal length for a man’s legs. Honest Abe, always quick with his wit, replied, “Long enough to reach the ground.”

I imagine that reporter was left looking more dumbfounded than a cat watching a laser pointer. There’s a reason he never asked another question after that – some burns just don’t heal.

In conclusion, while I might not understand the science behind our peculiar leg length, I have come to appreciate these two appendages even more after my ill-fated snow sledding attempt. They might not always save you from making a fool out of yourself, but at least they’re always there, reaching the ground just as Abe said they should.

And as for me? Next winter, I’ll stick to snow angels. Much safer. And requires far less leg coordination.

Freebies and the Unsung Heroes: When “Thanks” Doesn’t Pay the Bills

Freebies and the Unsung Heroes: When “Thanks” Doesn’t Pay the Bills

Ah, the life of a musician or recording engineer – it’s glamorous, isn’t it? Flashing lights, screaming fans, and… endless requests for free background tracks? Wait, what?

If you’re a musician or a recording engineer, chances are you’ve heard it all too often: “Hey, could you whip up a quick track for me?” or “I need some music for my new YouTube channel. Can you help?” But the kicker? More often than not, all you get in return is a quick “thanks” (if you’re lucky) and a pat on the back.

Now, don’t get me wrong. “Thank you” is a beautiful phrase that warms the heart and soul – but unfortunately, it doesn’t warm the pockets or pay the bills.

Let’s take a moment to compare with other professionals.

Imagine strolling up to a doctor at a social gathering and saying, “Hey, I’ve had this cough for a while. Can you just quickly check it out?” Or cornering an architect at a birthday party with blueprints in hand, hoping for a free consultation. Would they be met with the same expectations of ‘gratis’ expertise?

Let’s be honest, it does happen. Many professionals, regardless of their field, get bombarded with pro-bono requests from friends, family, and the occasional audacious acquaintance. But there’s a peculiar sting that musicians and recording engineers feel, given the perception that their craft is “easy” or “just a hobby.”

But who’s really to blame here?

1. The Perpetrator (a.k.a. The “Friend”)

Let’s face it, most of us are guilty of wanting something for nothing. In a world of instant gratification and streaming services, the value we place on individual expertise can sometimes wane. To the untrained eye (or ear), creating a background track might seem as simple as pushing a few buttons. But as any seasoned musician or engineer knows, it’s hours of work, years of training, and a bottomless well of patience.

2. The Enabler (a.k.a. The “Professional”)

Sometimes, professionals are their own worst enemies. By occasionally offering freebies to win favor or out of sheer kindness, they unwittingly set a precedent. The occasional free consultation or quick background track can quickly snowball into a mountain of expectations.

So, what’s the solution?

For starters, recognizing and respecting the craft is essential. Whether it’s music, medicine, or masonry, every profession requires expertise that deserves acknowledgment. And for professionals, it’s essential to establish boundaries. It’s okay to say no, or to kindly point out that expertise has a price. After all, you wouldn’t just grab a candy bar from a store and walk out with a mere “thank you”, would you?

In the end, let’s remember the timeless wisdom: If you’re good at something, never do it for free. So, to all our unsung heroes, keep strumming, keep mixing, and most importantly, keep valuing your worth!

Meat the Future: Israel’s 3D-Printed Culinary Revolution!

Israeli Company Pioneers the Future: Printing Meat!

In the bustling landscape of technological innovations, Israel has always been at the forefront. This time, it’s not about cyber-security, AI, or drones but something that touches a basic human need – food. An Israeli company has created ripples in the culinary world by introducing a groundbreaking method to ‘print’ meat. Yes, you read that right. 3D printing has now ventured into the domain of gastronomy, and the future of food might just be a printed steak.

A Glimpse into the Technology

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has transformed industries by allowing the creation of intricate designs layer by layer. From creating machine parts to human organs, this technology has been expanding its horizons. Using this method for food, especially something as complex as meat, is both innovative and challenging.

The Israeli company has mastered this technique by using plant-based ingredients or cells from animals. They input these into their specially designed 3D printers, which then lay down the material layer by layer. The end result? A piece of meat that not only looks like the real deal but also has the texture and taste of it.

Why is this Revolutionary?

The implications of this innovation are profound:

  1. Sustainability: Livestock farming is one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing our dependence on traditional livestock farming, the environmental footprint of meat production can be significantly lowered. Printed meat doesn’t require vast pastures or the same amount of water and resources as traditional methods.
  2. Animal Welfare: Printed meat can reduce the need for mass livestock farming, meaning fewer animals would be raised and slaughtered for food. This could lead to a decrease in animal cruelty associated with some farming practices.
  3. Customization: With 3D printing, there’s potential for customization like never before. Need a steak with a specific fat content or a particular blend of nutrients? It could be just a print away!
  4. Food Security: In areas where meat production or import is challenging due to environmental or economic reasons, printed meat could be a solution. It might even play a role in space travel, where astronauts could potentially print their fresh meat in space stations or distant planets.

Challenges Ahead

While the prospect of printing meat is exciting, there are challenges. Acceptance is a significant factor. Convincing traditional meat-lovers to transition to printed meat might be an uphill battle. There’s also the taste factor. While initial reviews have been positive, it remains to be seen if printed meat can truly replicate the diverse range of flavors and textures that traditional meat offers.

Moreover, regulatory hurdles are another concern. How will printed meat be classified? Is it vegetarian because no animals were harmed, or is it non-vegetarian because it’s essentially animal cells? Regulatory bodies worldwide will need to grapple with these questions.

Conclusion

The innovation of printing meat by the Israeli company is not just a technological marvel but also a step towards redefining our relationship with food. As with all groundbreaking technologies, there will be supporters and detractors. But one thing is certain: the future of food is changing, and it’s an exciting journey that we are all a part of.

Israel has given us a glimpse of what might be on our dinner plates in the future. And if this innovation can address the ethical, environmental, and health challenges posed by traditional meat consumption, then this might just be the culinary revolution we’ve been waiting for.

Are our Gods actually aliens?

The Divine Structures: Temple Vimanas, Church Steeples and the Alien Hypothesis

David Charles Grusch

David Charles Grusch, a former intelligence official turned whistleblower, has provided a fresh perspective to this conversation. Grusch served as a decorated combat officer in Afghanistan and is a veteran of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He represented the reconnaissance office to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force from 2019-2021 and was the NGA’s co-lead for UAP analysis and its representative to the task force from late 2021 to July 2022.

Grusch has provided Congress and the Intelligence Community Inspector General with extensive classified information about deeply covert programs. These programs allegedly possess retrieved intact and partially intact craft of non-human origin. Grusch claims that this information has been illegally withheld from Congress and has filed a complaint alleging illegal retaliation for his confidential disclosures.

His testimonies, backed by corroborating information from other active and retired intelligence officials, add a layer of intrigue to the conversation on ancient astronaut theories and potential extraterrestrial influences on human civilization and religious traditions. These insights suggest that we might indeed have had visitors from the stars in the past.

Our world is filled with wondrous structures, whose histories reach far back into the annals of time. Among these architectural wonders, two types of buildings – Hindu temples and Christian churches – have drawn fascination and intrigue for centuries. This blog explores:

  • The resemblance between the ‘vimana’ of Hindu temples and the steeples of Christian churches to the structure of modern spacecraft
  • The speculation that these structures could represent extraterrestrial spacecraft
  • The possibility that the deities worshipped in these religious traditions might indeed be aliens who visited Earth

The Vimana and The Steeple: A Structural Analysis

The vimana and the steeple – structures of Hindu temples and Christian churches, respectively – bear a surprising resemblance to the streamlined structure of modern spacecraft. Both aim skywards, pointing towards the celestial realm, the final frontier for humanity.

Vimana: Spaceships of the Gods?

The Sanskrit word ‘vimana’ intriguingly denotes both:

  • The towering structure of a temple
  • Mythical flying palaces or chariots of the gods, as described in ancient Indian scriptures

Detailed descriptions of vimanas, with their light and noise, moving at great speeds, and capable of traversing dimensions, bear striking similarity to modern accounts of UFO sightings.

Pushpaka Vimana: The Celestial Chariot of the Gods

The Pushpaka Vimana, a prominent example from ancient Indian literature, is described as a divine flying palace or chariot, capable of traveling vast distances. It is often depicted as:

  • Large and luxurious, capable of accommodating an army
  • Able to move at the speed of thought
  • Capable of altering its size according to its master’s wish
  • Able to navigate in any direction

These descriptions have been interpreted by proponents of the ancient astronaut theory as potentially pointing towards extraterrestrial influence.

Rituals and Resemblance to Spaceship Landings

Certain rituals performed in Hindu temples, such as the lighting of camphor, could mirror the conditions of a spacecraft’s landing or take-off:

  • The priest stands on the doorway of the vimana during the ritual
  • There is a crescendo of activity – loud chanting, ringing of bells, bright flames, and dense smoke
  • The atmosphere created by these rituals is similar to the anticipation felt during the moments preceding a spacecraft’s launch

Hindu Deities: Divine Beings or Astronauts?

The depictions of Hindu deities, often shown with elaborate crowns, shields, and other unique objects, have led some to speculate a possible connection to extraterrestrial beings:

  • Crowns are sometimes interpreted as potential helmets, akin to those worn by modern astronauts
  • Divine weapons, or ‘astras,’ are sometimes seen as potentially advanced technological devices
  • Vahanas, or divine mounts/vehicles, are sometimes interpreted as potential representations of advanced vehicles or spacecraft

Manna from Heaven: Divine Intervention or Extraterrestrial Aid?

The biblical account of manna from heaven, described in the book of Exodus, has also been examined through the lens of the ancient astronaut theory. Some speculate that manna could be the product of an advanced technology, possibly of extraterrestrial origin:

  • Manna is described as white, flaky, and tasting like honey
  • It appeared six mornings a week and doubled in quantity on the eve of the Sabbath
  • Similar to the pilgrims being sustained by the indigenous peoples’ knowledge of the land, could the Israelites have been sustained by extraterrestrial beings with advanced technology?

Interpretations by Erich von Däniken

Erich von Däniken, a Swiss author known for his controversial theories about extraterrestrial influences on early human civilization, has proposed some intriguing interpretations:

  • The vimana of Hindu lore could be interpreted as advanced flying machines or spacecraft
  • Certain biblical stories and phenomena could be read as encounters with extraterrestrial beings

Gods or Extraterrestrial Beings?

The “ancient astronaut” hypothesis speculates that many divine beings were, in fact, extraterrestrial life forms. For example:

  • In Hindu mythology, gods like Vishnu and Indra are often associated with vimanas, their celestial chariots
  • In Christian tradition, events such as the Ascension of Christ have been interpreted as encounters with extraterrestrial technology or beings

In Conclusion: What is your take?

Whether our religious structures symbolize our ancestors’ understanding of the divine, or represent a more concrete interaction with advanced, extraterrestrial technology, remains a question for thought-provoking debate. Regardless, the vimanas of Hindu temples and the steeples of Christian churches continue to inspire us with their beauty and symbolism. They stand as testaments to human ingenuity and our quest to understand the unknown. Our rituals, like the lighting of camphor, contribute to our rich religious and cultural heritage, even as they open up new avenues of interpretation and exploration.

From the description of the Pushpaka Vimana in ancient texts to the stories of manna in the desert, these narratives continue to inspire wonder and provoke thought, enriching our understanding of our past and, potentially, our future.

The Medical Maestros vs. The Query Avalanche

I am part of a karaoke group, and even saying this makes me retch, but what to do? It’s raining outside.

If you know, you know, and for those who don’t, this is a dialog of a famous yesteryear Tamizh movie where a couple is making out in a car in the middle of a downpour when a kill-joy, moral policeman, knocks on the car window.

Our protagonist, not to be outdone, says, ” It’s raining outside; what to do?”

In Tamizh, of course.

Man is a social animal, and woman is even more so; I have no choice but to be part of this group for some friendship and camaraderie.

So sticking to the same note*, this group has some very eminent physicians who have so many tales about their patients; of course, no names or other identifying markers except that the patients are post-graduates of What’s App and/or Google University.

So here’s a third-person scenario that comes to mind as portrayed by my physician friends. I have broken this down into four case studies covering most of our poor doctors’ situations.

Setting the scene

Donned in pristine white coats, as white as the flawless idly, these medical magicians tirelessly combat a sea of diseases with the precision of a Bharatanatyam adavu.

But lo and behold, an adversary more potent than the most virulent of pathogens rises. It is neither a microscopic marauder nor a physical impairment but a ceaseless cyclone of questions whipped up by the patient fraternity, a riddle as perplexing as cracking the code of a Jallikattu bull’s maneuvers.

Have you ever perceived the transformation of your usually unflappable physician, calm as the tranquil waters of Marina Beach, into a bewildered, nerve-taut, an almost explosive image at the prospect of an inquiry? Let’s unravel this mystery, as twisty and tangy as a plateful of tangy Puliyodharai.

The Google Graduate or Paati’s Kashyam

Case Study 1: The Google Graduate vs. The Paati’s Kashayam

In the patient populace, Dr. Google and our dear Paati’s Kashayam are revered as much as the sacred Thirukkural. The mention of a Google-based diagnosis or a traditional home remedy can send a doctor’s blood pressure skyrocketing faster than a Vallam Kali boat during Onam. It is no wonder the physician’s fuse shortens when patients equate the cryptic insights from the ‘Natures Cures’ blog to the doctor’s informed diagnosis.

The quizzer

Case Study 2: The Prashnamani

Next, we encounter patients resembling the relentless Sage Naradhamuni, turning each consultation into a philosophical debate. “Why this manjal colored marundhu, doctor? Why not the pachai one? What is in this marundhu? Does it contain the divine Thulasi?” Such relentless interrogations leave our physician as annoyed as a Chennai bus conductor during peak hours.

Self-diagnoser vs. the sensationalist

Case Study 3: The Puthir Solver

Some patients envision their diagnosis as a suspenseful ‘who-dunnit’ worthy of a Mysskin film plot. “Doctor, my maaman’s maamiyar’s brother had a similar kashaayam in 1982. Could it be the paniharam? Or maybe it’s the Marina Beach sundal I consumed?” By the time the mystery is solved, it’s not just the doctor’s patience running thin but also the Marina sands.

Case Study 4: The Self-diagnosing Siddhar

Finally, we encounter the patient who has mastered the art of self-diagnosis, reducing the doctor to a mere spectator in their medical drama. “Doctor, I need this marundhu,” they assert, leaving the doctor as dazed as a non-Tamil speaker trying to decipher the rapid-fire lyrics of a Tamil gaana song.

Next time the doctor’s face turns as red as a ripe Sevvazhai at the relentless onslaught of questions, bear in mind their struggle is not just against diseases but also this veritable tsunami of interrogations. Give them a break from the queries once in a while. Sometimes, the best medicine is a moment of silence, as peaceful as a moonlit night by the serene Kanyakumari coast.

*what a bad pun, but I couldn’t help it

Similarities and Differences between Advaita and Stoicism

In my teenage years, my favorite author was P.G. Wodehouse. Although the settings and trapping of the English peerage were alien, the comical humor had me in stitches! My favorite character was the ever-resourceful Jeeves, the gentleman’s gentleman, as he would call himself.

I had always associated Jeeves as a stoic. A stoic person does not go over the top with happiness or curl up into a fetal position when confronted with tragedy. Even keel at all times.

But wrong I was. Stoicism is more complex; believe me, you. Actually, I hate this usage of ‘believe me you.’ It was a favorite usage of an ex-boss of mine while I was in the airline industry. At least that was my definition before I took a deep read into stoicism.

While reading about stoicism, one of the cardinal rules that struck out was that you control the process but you do not control the outcome. But this was exactly what Lord Krishna implied in the Bhagavat Gita, amongst many others. So I decided to take a dive at advaita and stoicism, and here is what I came up with.

Introduction:


Advaita and Stoicism, two philosophical schools of thought from ancient India and Greece, respectively, have fascinated seekers of wisdom throughout history. Despite their distinct origins, these philosophies share common threads and offer profound insights into the nature of existence, the human experience, and the pursuit of inner peace. In this blog, we will explore the similarities and differences between Advaita and Stoicism, shedding light on their shared principles and unique approaches to life.

The Nature of Reality


Advaita: Originating from the Upanishads and expounded by scholars like Adi Shankara, Advaita philosophy emphasizes non-duality. It asserts that the ultimate reality, referred to as Brahman, is an undivided and universal consciousness. The illusory nature of individual identities (Atman) is revealed, leading to the realization of oneness.

Stoicism: Stoicism, epitomized by thinkers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, perceives reality as governed by a rational and divine order. It teaches that individuals should align with this natural order, recognizing their limited control over external circumstances while cultivating mastery over their inner thoughts and actions.

Similarity

Advaita and Stoicism converge in recognizing a higher reality and the need to transcend limited perspectives. Both philosophies urge individuals to embrace a broader understanding of existence, fostering harmony and unity with the world.

Detachment and Equanimity


Advaita: Advaita teachings advocate detachment from worldly attachments and the transient nature of material existence. By realizing the impermanence of external phenomena, individuals are encouraged to seek lasting happiness within, liberated from the fluctuations of desires and external circumstances.


Stoicism: Stoic philosophy promotes a similar concept of detachment, emphasizing the development of inner resilience and emotional self-control. Stoics believe that accepting the transitory nature of external events can cultivate a state of equanimity and tranquility, irrespective of external circumstances.

Both Advaita and Stoicism highlight the significance of inner detachment, allowing individuals to remain unperturbed by the unpredictable fluctuations of life. Through cultivating non-attachment, both philosophies offer pathways to stability, peace, and freedom from suffering.

Self-Reflection and Self-Mastery


Advaita: Advaita philosophy encourages self-inquiry and introspection to realize one’s true nature and the nature of the universe. Through practices such as meditation and self-reflection, individuals can transcend the limitations of the ego and directly experience their intrinsic connection with the universal consciousness.

Stoicism: Stoicism places a strong emphasis on self-reflection and the examination of one’s thoughts and actions. Observing and understanding our emotions, judgments, and beliefs, we develop self-awareness and cultivate virtues such as wisdom, courage, and temperance.

Difference


While both philosophies endorse self-reflection, Advaita emphasizes the direct experiential realization of the ultimate reality through practices like meditation. Stoicism, on the other hand, focuses more on rational reflection and the cultivation of virtues as a means to navigate life’s challenges.

Conclusion


Advaita and Stoicism, originating from different times and cultures, offer profound insights into the human condition and the quest for inner peace. Both philosophies emphasize transcending limited perspectives, cultivating detachment, and developing self-awareness. Advaita emphasizes the realization of non-duality and the oneness of existence, while Stoicism focuses on aligning oneself with the rational order of the universe. Exploring the similarities and differences between these philosophies can broaden our understanding of human nature and provide valuable tools for personal growth and fulfillment.

I find it easier to implement Stoicism in my daily life rather than advaita philosophy.

How about you?

The silent scream

The aroma of Freshly Cut Grass: A Tale of Green Signals and Hidden Pheromones

It is the beginning of summer.  The birds are out early since they have been taught that the early bird gets the worm. 

In the school of worms, they forgot to teach the worm not to get up early and wiggle about.

Depending on which life form you associate yourself with, choose when you get out of bed.  That’s the moral of the story.

But I digress.  Where was I?  Ah, yes.  Let’s try this again.  

It’s summer, yay!

Summertime – I am straddling my ride-on lawn mower, a hat in place, dressed regally in a tank top and shorts.  I spend a good three hours intricately creating patterns on the lawn.  Believe me; it’s so well done that a passing helicopter might mistake it for crop circles.  Here’s the second moral of the story.  If anyone starts a statement with a ‘believe me,’ you can be sure that whatever is said afterward is a pure concoction.

To summarize, I am on the porch sipping my iced lemonade, enjoying the evocative smell of freshly cut grass, when my daughter, a total nerd, complete with horn-rimmed eyeglasses, is doing a postdoctoral fellowship in prestigious university remarks.

“Enjoying the smell, acha?” For those of you scratching your heads about what ‘acha’ is, it’s the Malayalam word for father.  When I relocated to the USA, my children were all kids.  My wife and I knew that there was no way we could keep their Malayalam intact, but we put our foot down about how they address us – Mother, amma; Father, acha.

I nodded in agreement; I was enjoying the smell of cut grass.

And then, she ruined it for me.  “Do you know that the smell you love is the olfactory equivalent of the grass screaming in pain and warning all other vegetation nearby that a monster is on the loose, annihilating our existence? 

I did not need a Ph.D. to realize that by ‘monster,’ she meant me.

She then went on a rant.  This is a summary of what she spewed forth.

The reason behind the smell of freshly-cut grass

This ubiquitous scent is much more than a delightful summer fragrance. It’s a complex chemical signal and a cry for help involving fascinating biochemical mechanisms and even elements of pheromones.

To understand why freshly cut grass has a unique smell, we first must delve into plant physiology. When a lawnmower’s blades slice through your lawn, they rupture the grass cells, releasing a medley of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs evaporate quickly, generating the characteristic aroma we associate with freshly cut grass. The most crucial of these VOCs are a class of chemicals called green leaf volatiles (GLVs), predominantly composed of six-carbon alcohols and aldehydes such as hexenal, hexanol, and hexanol. 

GLVs are not exclusive to grass and are released by most green plants when their tissues are damaged. They serve several purposes, with the most significant being a distress signal. When a plant is under attack, be it from a lawnmower or a grazing animal, GLVs are rapidly produced and emitted. It’s as if the plant is crying out in pain, albeit in a chemical language that humans perceive as a delightful aroma.

But how do these distress signals function, and are any pheromones involved in this intriguing process?

The story of grass’s aromatic distress calls gets even more fascinating when we bring in the players responding to these signals — other plants, insects, and even mammals. That’s where we enter the realm of pheromones, those chemical substances produced and released into the environment by an organism, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.

Among the respondents to the GLVs distress signals are neighboring plants, which interpret these volatile compounds as a warning of impending danger. They react by bolstering their defenses, producing compounds that make them less palatable or harder to digest. In other words, the aroma of freshly cut grass is a biochemical SOS that initiates a cascade of defensive measures in the plant community.

The realm of insects offers another exciting aspect of this pheromone story. Certain beneficial insects are attracted to these GLVs, particularly parasitoid wasps. These insects have a life cycle that involves laying their eggs inside other insects. Upon hatching, the young wasps devour their hosts from the inside. How does this relate to the aroma of cut grass? Many insects, like parasitoid wasps, target pests that feed on plants. When these pests start feeding, and the plant releases GLVs, it’s like ringing the dinner bell for the wasps. Thus, GLVs serve as an indirect defense mechanism, drawing in allies in the fight against plant-eating pests.

Lastly, the aroma of freshly cut grass also affects mammals, especially humans. Many people find this smell pleasing, describing it as fresh, calming, and comforting. Though it’s not typically categorized as a pheromone, its impact on human behavior bears some similarities, evoking strong emotional responses and nostalgia for many.

In conclusion

In conclusion, the scent of freshly cut grass is a complex interplay of biochemical signals and responses involving elements of pheromones. Far from being an incidental byproduct of lawn mowing, this aroma is a vital part of the plant’s defense strategy and a dynamic form of communication within the ecosystem. So, the next time you savor that fresh, green smell, remember—you’re catching a whiff of nature’s distress call and the hidden world of plant communication.

What I did to be guilt-free

I decided to sell the lawn mower.  Now I employ Jose to mow my lawn.