SPRINGBOARDS and WALKING STICKS

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How Good Are Our Relationships?

Unlike the instincts that animals have human relationship is a sum total of one’s emotional, intellectual, and social schooling and becoming. Our relationships with others–humans, animals, and the rest of the world–oscillate between antipathy and empathy; and in between them we have apathy and sympathy. Antipathy: it is hostility and having a strong dislike or aversion towards others. At items there is an irrational feeling that the other is not like us therefore they are against us. There could be group animosities which has led the world to crusades, jihads, and genocides. Apathy: it is a state of indifference or lack of interest. It acts as a dampener on progress, a silent enemy of positive change. For example, when citizens become apathetic towards voting or participating in community initiatives, the democratic process weakens. Sympathy: We see things from our own perspective. We feel sorry for someone's situation based on how we imagine it would affect us. We acknowledge

Instil in People Peace and Love.

When Jesus told his disciples that he was going away, they had mixed feelings. One of the prominent feelings as Jesus noticed was fear. Firstly, they were afraid of losing their master, and as a result their position of being the apostles, they had slowly began enjoying being with Jesus. Secondly, they may have been guilty and sad that they could not reach up to the expectations of their master. They were afraid. What is noteworthy is the response of Jesus, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus was a man of empathy. He had the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. As the disciples were a bit guilty, scared and down, Jesus could have easily made them more frightened, more guilt-ridden. Instead of taking a condescending position, he stand with them, comforting them. In our spiritual activities, preaching, and ministry, we find people, who have sinned, failed, and thus not having enough confidence to look up. Do not further frighten them with a god who is a judge and executer; do

Where Is Your Brother/Sister?

Where is your love? Bible asks the question, “Where is your brother?” (Genesis 4:9-12). We may have ministries, programmes, we preach and promote love and generosity, etc. but people see only us, our institutions, our programmes, or what is promoted or made visible is only our own selves. God again asks, ‘where is your brother?” as Jesus says about the last judgement, my brother remains still hungry, still thirsty, still a stranger, still naked, still sick, still in prison (Matthew 25: 31-46). Here is something truly challenging from (attributed to) William Shakespeare, “You say you love rain, but you open the umbrella, you say you love the sun, but you search for shadows, you say you love the wind, but you close the windows. This is why I am afraid, you say you love me too.” Look back to our lives: we say we love God, we say, we love our brothers and sisters. I recently heard this question being asked by a writer, “when you go back from life, if you are allowed to take one memory w

Enable Your Becoming

Practice art, any art: music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpture, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to make money or fame, but to experience becoming, to discover what is within you. Not being prepared to try or to be wrong is refusing to be creative. If we are not prepared to be wrong we would not come up with anything original. By the time kids become adults, we lose that capacity to be creative. We live in a system where we stigmatise mistakes. Pablo Picasso once said, all children are born artists, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up. Here is something about life I came across on Insta . “You can’t skip chapters, that is not how life works, you have to read every line, meet every character, you wont enjoy all of it. Some chapters will make you cry for weeks. You will read things you don't want to read; you will have moments when you don't want the page to end. But you have to keep going. Stories keep the

Learn To Get Stuff Done

Learn to get stuff done, says, Barack Obama. He explains, at every level we get people who are very good at describing problems, very sophisticated at why something went wrong, why something cant get fixed, etc. We need people who says, whatever it takes, let me take care of it. People always look for plum assignment, but a lot of times the best way to get attention is whatever is assigned to you, get work done there, you nail it, kill it. Be a doer. In management or administration, there is nothing more noble than the art of getting stuff done. Begin to focus on action. Sometimes people get stuck in the "learning" phase and never move to action to achieve results. At the same time embrace continuous learning. The world is constantly changing, so the ability to learn and adapt is essential. "Learn to get stuff done" can also be seen as a lifelong process of acquiring new knowledge and skills to stay productive.

God Exists

Did humans discover god or humans create god? Is God part of nature, or part of culture? Nature is what is there before the intervention of humans. Culture is that which comes into existence by the creation of humans or by the intervention of humans. Chair is our creation, Bangalore is our creation, and India is our creation. One of the contemporary thinkers, Maithreyan, proposes, God does not exist is as incorrect as saying that chair in the classroom does not exist. God exists; and it is created by human categories. We say Bangalore exists, Bangalore is a human creation and today it exists. For other animals these categories of Bangalore or chair or money does not exist. They are all stories that we humans have created, and live by. God-stories give us hope and energy to do more; they prompt us to be more. The more gods we create, the more certain we become about gods, the less divinity we will encounter. Leave gods alone; embrace humans: men, women and them; black, white and all

The Danger of Shallow Spirituality

In advertising there is a concept called, ‘perceived quality’. It is the impression of excellence that a customer experiences about a product, brand, business, or organization. It is created through design, packaging, presentation, or by having best actors or sportspeople as ambassadors to promote the product, etc. Imagine two seemingly identical headphones. One, adorned with a sleek design and a prestigious brand logo, commands a premium price. The other, sporting a utilitarian look and a generic label, sits unnoticed on the shelf. Despite potentially equal functionality and excellence, perceived quality steers customers to think big about the product; but in truth the product may be far from what is seen and perceived. John chapter 6 begins with Jesus feeding thousands of people; and then on thousands follow him. There were large crowds around him; they kept going with him everywhere, even over to the other shore. They kept searching and seeking after him. It looked as though the

Departures From Democracy

The article Global Democracy: A Crisis of Hope? By Indrajit Roy presents a critical examination of the concept of democracy, highlighting how it is often reduced to the mere conduct of elections, disregarding its deeper essence of embracing dissent and addressing the needs of marginalised groups. It argues that democracy is increasingly facing threats from various authoritarian tendencies, such as the concentration of power in the hands of social and economic elites, the marginalisation of vulnerable social groups, and the erosion of social justice. The text delves into historical examples, drawing parallels between contemporary challenges and past instances of democratic backsliding. It underscores the importance of safeguarding the participation of the "worst-off social groups" in the political process, as opposed to the dominance of the ruling caste-class elite. The author further highlights the disparity between the grand expectations of nation-builders and the current

Ambedkar and Democracy

The article, How Far Right Is India From Ambedkar’s Vision by Harish Wankhede discusses how far India has strayed from Ambedkar's vision of democracy. It highlights the growing polarisation and inequality in India, echoing the warnings of Babasaheb Ambedkar on the dangers of democracy without social justice. The key points are: 1. The BJP’s rise and aggressive policies, like violent communal mobilisation against minorities, pose a threat to Indian democracy. 2. The continued marginalisation of socially disadvantaged groups like Dalits, Adivasis, and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) from economic development and lack of radical social reforms challenge Ambedkar's vision. 3. The Dalits have utilised various channels to improve their social location and class mobility, but a majority still face oppression, discrimination, and lack of representation. 4. The grand expectation of the nation builders that the future social order would be egalitarian, with an emphasis on the welf

Nicodemus Wants To Be Reborn

Nicodemus was a Jewish teacher, a man of importance in his society. One can assume from the urgency shown by Nicodemus to meet Jesus, that Nicodemus, at some point in his life, at some level, had felt inadequate about himself, his thinking, his teaching, and his life. Nicodemus wanted to make progress in life. He had heard that another Jewish rabbi, though not held in high regard by the people of his circle, had said, ‘one must be born again.’ But how? Nicodemus decided to meet Jesus. He came in the night to meet Jesus. He wanted to be born again, but his struggle was, “How can this be” (John 3: 9). We have heard this question in another more popular gospel passage, Luke 1:34, Mary having heard angel Gabriel telling her about conceiving and bearing a child, asks, ‘how can this happen, I am a virgin.’ The answer to both the questions is given in Luke 1: 35,37 “T he Holy Spirit will come on you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…. Nothing is impossible with God. Mary,

How To Be A Great Teacher?

The article, What Makes A Teacher Great , by A Joseph Dorairaj, presents a comprehensive overview of the defining characteristics and key responsibilities of outstanding educators. At the core is the notion that great teachers are not merely born, but rather made through a lifelong process of professional development and self-reflection. The text emphasises the multidisciplinary nature of teaching, where practitioners must not only impart subject-specific knowledge, but also engage in research, problem-solving, and the holistic development of their students. Exceptional teachers are described as being research-oriented, constantly seeking to address real-world academic challenges through innovative, technology-infused pedagogical approaches. A central tenet is the idea that great teachers see themselves as perpetual learners, regularly updating their skills and strategies to stay abreast of the latest disciplinary advancements. This proactive mindset allows them to transform their st

Psychopathology and Leadership

The article, Psychopathology Among Bureaucrats Is Bigger Threat Than Corruption , by Prasanth Nair examines the concerning prevalence of psychopathy among bureaucrats, which the author argues poses a greater threat to society than outright corruption. Nair cites research suggesting the incidence of psychopathic traits is significantly higher among corporate and government leaders compared to the general population. It presents the view that psychopathy, a mental illness marked by a deficit of empathy and an inclination for manipulative and antisocial behaviour, is pervasive within the bureaucratic establishment. The article outlines the classic characteristics of "accomplished villains" - psychopathic individuals who are egocentric, antisocial, and lacking in empathy. Drawing on the work of criminal psychologist Robert Hare, Nair describes how these toxic personality traits manifest through manipulative behaviors, disregard for the rights of others, and a conspicuous absenc

Why Are You Crying?

Jesus is risen. John 20 is the story of the resurrection of Jesus. Though a couple of apostles had gone to the tomb of Jesus in the morning on the third day; and they had gone into the tomb and found it empty and thus believed that Jesus is risen, it is only now (John 10:11-18) Jesus showed himself to somebody. Mary Magdalene stood by the empty tomb crying, and Jesus comes to him and asks her, “why are you crying?” again Jesus calls her by her name, “Mary”, meaning, “Mary, why are you crying?” That concern for the other was the proof that it was Jesus raised from dead. Mary had experienced this concern even earlier. May be when she was being chased to be stoned to death. Or in Like 23, when Jesus was lead as a prisoner to his execution, carrying his cross, he stopped and told the women of Jerusalem, ‘do not cry’. Jesus calling Mary by her name makes it more nuanced. John 10 confirms that He knows His sheep, and He will call each one by its name. Being called Mary confirmed to her tha

Indian Political Spectrum: Left, Right, and Centre

Left-wing, right-wing, and centre are terms used to describe different positions on the political spectrum. The terms left-wing and right-wing originated from the seating arrangements in the French National Assembly during the French Revolution (1789). Supporters of the King and the traditional social order sat on the president's right side. These were generally considered more conservative and resistant to change. Supporters of the revolution and those advocating for a more egalitarian society sat on the president's left side. These were seen as more progressive and willing to challenge the status quo. Over time, these seating positions became symbolic of broader political viewpoints. The terms "left" and "right" were eventually used to describe the entire spectrum of political ideologies, not just those present during the French Revolution. Left Wing focuses on equality, social justice, and reform. Left-wing ideologies generally believe in reducing econo

You Are Planted

It is difficult and painful to see someone in our family sick; and when someone young and at the prime of life becomes chronically ill, it paralyses the family. It pushes the family to helplessness. The official and his family from Capernaum go through such a dark time. When situations in life are bleak and depressing, we feel that we are buried under some dark, unreachable place. We give up. Christine Caine, an Australian activist and international speaker, puts such situations in life in perspective. Sometime when we are in a dark place, we think we have been buried, but actually we have been planted. Caught up in the darkness of helplessness we often prematurely conclude our lives; it is so automatic, and rigid, that there seems to be nothing more to come. Christine Caine recommends loosening up our lives enough to be ready for interruptions. Let there be a few cracks that the light of God can enter in. Don't structure our days so rigidly that you lock out God from working wit

Let There Be Light

This is March. We are moving into the summer season. In India, like in many developing countries, summer is also a season of power cuts. Power cuts make us powerless: as we are working, studying, or entertaining ourselves in the late evening, and if power fails, darkness just engulfs us; we begin to crawl from one desk to another, from one room to another –darkness makes us powerless. According to the creation story in the Bible, in the beginning there was total darkness; we could also read it as, in the beginning there was total helplessness. Then we have one of the most powerful phrases in the Old Testament, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And there was light; and it continues to be. Millions of years later, a Pharisee and a ruler called Nicodemus came to Jesus in the darkness of the night and asked him many questions (John 3: 1-21). Jesus listened to Nicodemus, he could perceive darkness around Nicodemus; Jesus could perhaps see shame and helplessness, ignorance, ego, and stubb

Be Grateful

The parable of the tenants (Matthew 21: 33-46) reminds ourselves of our giftedness on the one hand, and on the other, it reminds us of our unwillingness, waywardness, and rebellion. Recently I read a very liberating thought, which goes like this, sometimes in our lives, we go though challenges, difficulties, confusion, the situation seems so dark, and we feel that we are buried in the deep; but actually we re planted. We are planted to sprout, grow, bloom and bear fruit. And those of us who realise it fall on our knees in gratitude. On the other end of the spectrum, in the light of the gospel today, we know that we are planted, protected with a fence around, watered, supported, and given sun and rain; but we malevolently fail to acknowledge the giver. We do not express gratitude and appreciation for what is given to us. Gratitude studies prove that people who are grateful are less aggressive; now we understand why are thee people so aggressive, violent, even to the extant of killing.

An Insider’s Battle With Ritual Washing

Here is a Jewish group (Mark 7: 1-23): Pharisees and teachers of law were part of the leadership and influences of that time; Jesus was an emerging leader and he has his disciples with him. Here is an inside conversation presented to us. They are not talking about the Romans, who had ruled over them for years; they are not talking about Samaritans, whom they were in conflict with. They were talking about themselves and their ritual purity. They are talking about how special and chosen they are, and how others defile them, make them impure. It often happens that when people are in an exclusive group, all support one another and admire how special and chosen they and their practices are, and irrationally perpetuate the evil they do. The hardest thing about this conversation is that Jesus had to appear like a traitor. The biggest challenge of a messiah is to be an insider and have to challenge traditions and practices within; to have the courage to talk truth to power. It is easy to proj

Ritual Washing To Washing The Feet Of The Other

Psalm 15 asks, who will enter your tent O Lord? Psalm 24 asks, who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? Luke 10 asks, what must I do to inherit eternal life? This is a repeated question in the Scriptures. In other words the question is, will I enter God’s tent? The sad answer to that question given by the Pharisees and teachers of law of todays gospel appears to be, one who does ‘ritual washing’. Ritual washing (Mark 7: 1-23) has nothing to do with cleaning ones hands for the reasons of hygiene. It means that when they went out they came in contact with non-Jewish, gentiles and coming in contact with them defiled them. Therefore they had this ritual washing and sprinkling of water on the things that are bought from the market etc. A parallel in our context is of the high caste person coming in contact with the lower caste person, and this has to cleanse themselves to return to their purity. They considered all that are outside them as unholy and les

Going All The Way

God alone can go all the way; God alone can take us there. We are limited. Mark 5: 21-43 teaches us the limits of human authority, expertise, and doings. A government official’s little daughter was ill; in parallel passage it was the slave of the centurion with power and had soldiers under him, but was helpless in spite of the human authority and influence. When Jesus along with the government official and disciples reached the house, there was a huge commotion, perhaps there must have been other physicians, shamans, and sorcerers were at work and not able. Sandwiched within this passage we have the story of the woman with haemorrhage, who had suffered a lot at the hands of many doctors and had spent everything she had but instead of getting better, she had only grown worse. Both, the government official and the woman with bleeding were people of strong faith, and had the grace of meeting Jesus: the woman was healed, and the little girl returns back to health and life. A Parsi doctor