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Jun 17, 2021
Myind Staff

Sanatana Dharma Kshetra: Sustaining Deep-rooted Traditions

Vedas, Slokas and Stotras are a deeply meaningful part of Sanatana Dharma, the only longest living civilization. Millenia have passed and the dharmic traditions today have retained their importance, albeit to customary obeisance and the rare deep prayers. We have the current scenario of nuclear families, demanding careers and cutthroat competitions leading to this development. The only way out is to get back in touch with our roots and practices, but in a way that preserves the time-tested method as well as accommodate the current way of things! The routine of waking up early, having a bath and chanting Slokas has been handed down to us by our ancestors. Today, our mothers are striving to see that we implement it. And then, we can in turn, hand down the tradition to our future generations. One way to do it, is to introduce and teach them the importance of Sloka chanting. When you enter a temple, attend a puja or yagna, the principal sounds that greet your ears are the chants of Slokas. Does it not give you a sense of peace? Do you not feel vibrant with the positive energy generated in the atmosphere around? Regulars will vouch for it. Researchers have proved it. Sloka chanting has numerous benefits. It sharpens the intellect, keeps the mind alert, helps in healing, manages stress, lowers blood pressure, reduces high cholesterol levels, normalizes heart rate, and energizes the brain. But having said that, there is a method to the chanting of Slokas. It cannot be done in a harsh or hurried manner. The chanting has to be slow and loud enough to be heard. There has to be a melodious pattern and a range of specific numbers per minute. It is vital that Sloka chanting has to be done in this specified manner. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra acknowledges this importance and works on the how of it. They focus on maximising the benefits by steering the right way of Sloka chanting. Sanatana Dharma is the digital ecosystem created to fuse traditional practices and modern technology. Digital technology is used to make the teaching of the method of Sloka chanting accessible. They strive to retain methods and practices while using technology in their teaching-learning module. Sanatana Dharma steers the listener along the following steps- The fundamental and primary focus to be on the chanting method. Choosing the language for the text to be transliterated. The importance of keen listening and repeating. The listener can take this step several times with options for repetitions and chanting along. Tuning to the phonemes of Sanskrit pronunciations with extensive support. Progressive chanting where compound words are simplified. Also, a slow tempo is maintained in the beginning which picks up when moving on to full words. When the chanting method is complete, notes and materials are made available to help it make a practice. Hand-outs with transliteration are also given. This brings a sense of familiarity to listeners when they opt for the language of their ease. Presently beginning with Sanskrit, English, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, a roadmap for more languages is already drawn. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra covers Vedic Suktams, Powerful Slokas and Pleasing Stotrams. This is just the tip of the growing iceberg. Not just grownups, the teaching-learning methods of chanting will extend to children too. The set of titles available is comprehensive and Santana Dharma Kshetra has a road map to keep adding to the titles. Additionally, different partners and traditional teachers have been made a part of this thoughtful methodology. This is with the aim of making the method being accessible easily to the learners and the knowledge of chanting reaching far and wide. Why Sanatana Dharma Kshetra? What is exclusive about it? Sanatana Dharma Kshetra has active books and services to specifically address the need of a proven learning methodology. The learner has to only have intent, interest, and the grace of Ishwara. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra will ensure that the person will master the chanting method in the Dharmic way by the following learning methodology- The Guru-Shishya mode In this mode, Guru chants the Slokas once or twice and the Shishya is allowed to repeat after him. This mode helps the Shishya learn the Sloka and chant them with the right pronunciation or uchharana. The mode has a sing-along option too which enables the Shishya to chant seamlessly along with his Guru. Right pronunciation/ uchharana The Slokas are set to the right pronunciation with each word being taught to be pronounced correctly. The Shishya will find this helpful in familiarizing with the word and its pronunciation. The words in the Slokas and Stotras are added as an appendix for the Shishya to access and practice whenever needed. Vandanam To begin with, Shishyas can access the Ganesha and Guru Vandanam and thus follow the traditional sequence of Sloka chanting. Read and Refer mode Once the Shishya has practised and is familiar with the steps of chanting, hand-outs further help them to recite the Slokas by reading the words in the language of their choice. When you are introduced to and taught the right methodology of Sloka chanting, you will want to make it an integral part of life. This is for the simple reason that chanting brings a peace and calm within ourselves. It invites divine energies to surround and envelope our beings. It keeps negativity in check and helps spread positivity among our family, neighbours, colleagues and each one we interact with. Children will be especially benefited as Sloka chanting at an early age, will help them to improve their concentration and memory. Since Sanskrit is considered the mother of all languages, chanting Slokas will help children learn other languages with ease. Since time immemorial, our Dharmic heritage teaches us various ways to lead satisfied lives. The teaching incorporates Sloka chanting as a vital aspect of it. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra strives to do just that. Especially in this trying period the pandemic has evoked, this methodology will go a long way in garnering strength and confidence to overcome the hurdles we are facing by channelizing divine energies and positivity. On the scientific front too, Sloka chanting is one of the natural ways to boost the immune system. Our Vedas and Dharmas have sustained the test of time. All of us, at some point of life, realize the science and the benefits behind their practice. We chant Slokas for various reasons. Some chant for their spiritual significance, some chant during meditation, some to seek God while others to improve concentration. Whatever the reason for chanting a Sloka, the focus should be on the right way to do it. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra shows you exactly that. Sanatana Dharma Kshetra- A step towards connecting with divinity. Get-to-action: Click here to visit Sanatana Dharma Kshetra and get 40% off Coupon Code: "FLAT40" Image Source: Aim for Seva

Jun 16, 2021
Ramaharitha Pusarla

Despite divergent views G7 adopts an aggressive posture against China

The 47th G7 summit meeting held at Cornwall in UK from June 11-13th after two years exuded new energy. With renewed focus on international cooperation, the members in principle agreed on five big agenda items. Being the first major get-together of the World leaders since the world was hit by Wuhan virus, the major talking point has been investigations into the origins of the pandemic. Themed, “Built Back Better”, G7 presidency, UK outlined four priority areas- leading global recovery from corona virus and strengthening resilience against future pandemics; championing free and fair trade; climate change and preserving earth’s biodiversity and championing shared values and open societies. The above-mentioned priorities laid the framework for a multilateral cooperation. Interestingly, baring the climate change proposition, the underlining common factor has been an aggressive China. As an originator of the pandemic, China holds crucial answers to pandemic related investigations. Similarly, Beijing’s mercantilism and predatory trade practices have marooned several small countries in debt traps and its authoritarian and opaque style of functioning is posing threat to shared values. After the subtle messaging at Quad Leaders meet and instituting investigation into Wuhan virus origin, in continuum with predecessor Trump, President Biden, called for collective countering of aggressive China. Invoking the guiding principles of G-7 of commitment to multilateralism, through a collective and consultative approach countries agreed on aspects which are the enduring ideals of free, open societies and democracies and the very principles which authoritarian China infringes. Though an absolute unanimity between the G7 nations has been absent given their deep financial linkages with China, members affirmed their support to the final draft. Reiterating support to the global fight against pandemic, G7 pledged 1 billion vaccine doses to poorer nations. The support which is critiqued as too little too late by many activists, certainly made up for good optics of rich countries towards the developing world. Announcement of 1 billion vaccine doses which included 500 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna and 100 million doses each by the UK and Canada grabbed international attention. Interestingly, the US doses will be purchased from the second tranche of $2billion pledged as assistance and routed to poor countries through COVAX1. Devoid of the vaccine infrastructure to administer doses even as World Bank has extended credit to the tune of $12 billion, loomed by concerns of increasing debt profile, critics argued that vaccine inequality is bound widen. Seeking transparency and accountability, G7 called for expert-led investigation into origins of Wuhan virus pandemic. G7 joint statement pledged to support establishment of international pathogen surveillance network, a global pandemic radar; strengthen frameworks in terms of increasing global warning capacities, improve early warning systems and shorten the cycle of development of effective treatment, vaccines and tests from 300 to 100 days to prevent future pandemics2. Calling the bluff of China’s “non-market policies and practices”, G7 reiterated the responsibility of “large economies in upholding the rules-based international system and international law”. In the same breath, G7 expressed concerns over the human rights practices of China. Terming Beijing’s treatment of Uyghurs as “genocide” US and EU imposed sanctions on the CCP officials. China responded with retaliatory sanctions. Miffed by Chinese actions, EU parliament refused to debate and vote on the Comprehensive Investment Agreement (CIA) and led to temporary freeze of its ratification. Taking serious objection to forced labour and shrinking human rights, G7 affirmed, “we will promote our values, including by calling on China to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, in relation to Xinjiang and those rights, freedoms and high degree of autonomy for Hongkong enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law”. Indo-Pacific has emerged as a region of major geopolitical contestations. Not be left behind, G7 countries- France, Germany, UK, (EU) recently announced their respective policies for the region. Reiterating importance of maintaining free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law, G7 took cognizance of growing instability across Taiwan Strait and indicated that “(G7) encourages the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and increase tensions”. With this statement, G7 has seemingly overstepped on China’s so-called red line disputing the “One China policy”. Ramping up the plans to counter China, the G7 led by the US announced a $40 Trillion Build Back Better World (B3W) infrastructure partnerships as an alternative to BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). Without naming China, stating that Wuhan virus pandemic has exacerbated infrastructure needs of low and middle-income countries, G7 declared its development vision which read thus- “we believe that infrastructure development, implementation and maintenance- carried out in a transparent and financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner-will lead to beneficial outcomes for recipient countries and communities”. Alongside, G7 appealed Russia “to stop its destabilizing behaviour, malign activities, including its interference in other countries democratic systems and to fulfil its international human rights obligations and commitments”. By implication, G7 affirmed support to the Normandy process and implementation of Minsk Agreements in support of Ukraine and expressed concerns over heavy handedness of Belarusian authorities. G7 called for denuclearization of DPRK, condemned Myanmar coup, appealed for reduction of violence in Afghanistan, pledged to never allow Iran develop a nuclear weapon and welcomed the discussion to facilitate return of the US and Iran to JCPoA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Also, in lieu of upcoming COP-26 convention, G7 renewed commitment to Paris Agreement and noted the need for making relevant changes in energy, transport, industrial & innovation, agriculture, forestry and land use sectors to meet net-zero commitments. In line with the traditional grandstanding, G7, countries reiterated their commitment towards embracing values and promoting equality, especially gender equality, supporting girl child education, protecting the planet, reinvigorating economies, securing future prosperity, value driven digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, employing new technology for tackling global challenges, space and cyber cooperation. G7, a club of rich democratic countries comprising of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, United Kingdom and United States extended invitation to India, Australia, South Korea and South Africa as Guest countries for the Summit. Prime Minister Modi participated in two outreach sessions- Build Back Stronger Health where he appreciated the help of G7 countries during the pandemic and sought support for the TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO initiated with South Africa. As a lead speaker in the session- “Build Back Together-Open Societies and Economies” and “Building Back Greener Climate and Nature” recalled democracy and freedom as part of India’s civilizational ethos and expressed shared concerns of the vulnerability of Open Societies to disinformation and cyberattacks. India along with other outreach countries and G7 members signed a Joint Statement on “Open Societies”3. Prime Minister Modi in one of the outreach sessions gave “One Earth-One Health” mantra and called for a whole society approach. He advocated for “next phase studies (WHO-convened) to reach “robust conclusions” hinting at a China and emphasized on the special responsibility of the democratic and open societies to prevent future pandemic4. Modi first attended the G-7 Biarritz summit at France as Good Will Partner in 2019. In 2020, President Trump extended invite to the summit proposed to be held at Camp Davis. But it was cancelled due to Wuhan virus. Due to surging Wuhan virus second wave, Modi couldn’t physically attend the Cornwall G7 summit. Ahead of his Europe trip, Biden wrote, “this trip is about realizing America’s renewed commitment to our allies and partners, and demonstrating the capacity of democracies to both meet the challenges and deter the threats of this new age”5. In line with the stated objective, by reiterating America’s unflinching support to democratic values, Biden made a rallying call to like-minded nations. G7 Summit brought together major democratic countries. Concluding the outreach sessions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson termed the Cornwall G7 as Democracies-11 including the four guest countries seeding the idea of a democratic axis. Aside the shared values of democracy, liberty and equality, the D-11 is an agglomeration of disparate nations with conflicting economic, trading, developmental interests and objectives. Majority of them have strong economic ties with China, making economic isolation of Dragon difficult. Determined to go for the jugular, notwithstanding the weak links, President Biden used the G7 to build a strong counter-force against China. Pandemic has changed the World view of China. Beijing’s complicity in pandemic outbreak, weaponization of covid supplies, wolf-warrior diplomacy, aggressive expansionism in South China Sea, incursions across Cross Straits, East China Sea, stand-off at LAC under the pandemic cover, trade sanctions in response to call for independent investigation into pandemic origins and suppression of freedom in Hongkong, Xinjiang have blown off the mask of China’s peaceful rise. Nations are wary of Chinese aggression and hostility. China’s popularity across the World slumped to its lowest now. Countering China and its audacity to institute an opaque governance system has become a priority. Posturing of a united front by democracies is thus an attempt to build a post-pandemic international order which is rules-based and fair. Even as the impact of G7 summit is widely debated, India reposed interest in B3W which is congruent with its vision. Since its launch, India has strongly objected to BRI that passed through the legitimate territory of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and has been instrumental in Beijing’s deep entrenchment in its neighbourhood. In response to G7’s unified position, China cautioned that “days when small groups of countries decided the fate of the World were long gone”6. The Chinese embassy in London accused G7 of “lies, rumours and baseless accusations” and added, “G7 takes advantage of Xinjiang-related issues to engage in political manipulation and interfere in China’s internal affairs which we firmly oppose”7. A miffed China made largest numbers of incursions into Taiwanese airspace on Tuesday. Reportedly 28 Chinese aircrafts entered Taiwan’s ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone) asserting reunification under “One Country, two systems”8. Swiping the G7 and its allies, a cartoon, “the Last G7” a parody of Leonardo Da vinci’s “The Last Supper” published by artist ‘Bantonglaoatang’ on Weibo became viral. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mouth piece republished it9. Countries depicted from L to R: Germany, Australia, Japan, Italy, USA, Britain, Canada, France and India. Frogs below the table are Taiwan and Hongkong. Picture is worth thousand words, with its official endorsement Beijing revealed its narrow-mindedness and prejudice. https://indianexpress.com/article/world/g7-billion-vaccine-plan-counts-some-past-pledges-limiting-impact-7357375/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/13/carbis-bay-g7-summit-communique/ https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/33911/Prime_Minister_participates_in_two_sessions_on_the_second_day_of_G7_Summit https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/china/pm-modi-subtly-hints-at-china-says-india-supports-global-action-to-avert-future-pandemics.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/05/joe-biden-europe-trip-agenda/ https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-world-2021-06-13/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/14/china-accuses-g7-of-manipulation-after-criticism-over-xinjiang-and-hong-kong https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taiwan-reports-largest-incursion-yet-by-chinese-air-force-101623768328115.html https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1226050.shtml Image Source: g7uk.org