Gyan - Knowledge... HINDU texts highly glorify Gyan, which is considered to be one of the means of achieving Moksha, salvation through Gyan-yoga. It has been described and discussed in both ancient and modern writings with a variety of spiritual and material interpretations. The Sanskrit term Gyan, commonly translated as Knowledge, has been a major element in Hindu philosophy. It is used in a broad sense to denote characteristics such as Learning, Intelligence, Enlightenment, Skills, Training and Education that contribute to human understanding of the spiritual and material worlds. The importance of Knowledge has been recognised by religious and secular texts, social reformers and intellectuals. Religious texts interpret Gyan in the spiritual sense and accordingly they relate Knowledge to the understanding of God and Its devine and material manifestations. Spiritual Knowledge in the mode of goodness inspires individuals to perform actions that are considered beneficial to them as well as to others. Scholars have commented that any religious action remains incomplete without Knowledge of the subject. Knowledge helps a person to obtain a complete understanding of the spiritual significance of human actions. A number of hymns in the Vedas are dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of Knowledge and to Brahmanspati or Brihaspati, the teacher of deities. Other deities such as Surya, Shiva and Ganesha, who are believed to be benefactors of Knowledge, have also been lauded in the Vedas and subsequent Vedic literature.
Verse 4.38 of Shreemad Bhagavad-Gita states, “there is nothing in this world as purifying as Knowledge”. A number of other verses explain the nuances of Knowledge stressing that an action without knowledge may lead to undesired outcomes. In verse 7.17 of the Gita, Lord Krishna says, “Among different types of devotees, a knowledgeable person engaged in my service with single-minded devotion is the best devotee. I am dear to him and he is dear to me.” Isopanishad Mantras 9 – 11 discuss both Ignorance and Knowledge and conclude “Vidyayamritam asnute” that is one attains eternal life through Knowledge. These sample texts from Hindu Scriptures demonstrate the importance placed on Knowledge in the spiritual life of a person. The spiritual interpretation is further extrapolated to apply to the material world and worldly affairs. Chanakya Niti 4.5 states, “Knowledge is like the cow of plenty, Kamdhenu, that gives valuable things even in the time of adversity. In a foreign land, it protects like a mother, so Knowledge is a hidden treasure.” In Subhasitani, which literally means “a collection of ancient well said verses”, it is stated: “Knowledge brings humility; from humility comes worthiness; with worthiness one attains wealth, with wealth one is able to perform his/her duties as required and subsequently attains happiness.” Elsewhere it says, “Knowledge cannot be stolen by thieves, nor it be taken away by kings, it cannot be divided among brothers. It is not a load on the shoulders. If spent, it
Two Masters... Key Scripture: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 Dear Reader, welcome to another inspiring message to light up your life in this season of 2017. You are going to know the truth from the Word of God and the Truth will set you free from fear and Create faith in your Creator. Do not miss out an encounter with your Creator today! As we read the key scripture, we are confronted by the reality in India. On November 10th 2016, Indian currency demonetization shocked the nation. Prime Minister Mr. Modi’s surgical strike on black economy caught the India by total surprise and sent economic shock waves. The initial reaction of the people was disbelief, followed by confusion and chaos. However, if you think deeper, there are many lessons we learn in the light of our key scripture. Sonia Singal sums the lessons like this; “With a single stroke, we have decimated or at least made life quite turbulent for those who have un-taxed cash income, those who smuggle fake Pakistan-printed currencies from say, Malda border, po-litical parties who have truck-loads of cash in secure vaults and jihadis who transact primarily in cash. It is a brilliant move. A strategy that will go down the annals of history as something remarkable, strategies that will be documented in Harvard Business School case studies.” I was reminded of the amazing Teaching about Money and Possessions by the Lord Jesus. This will help us to shed us some light about black money or excessive love for money which is the root for all evil. Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust de-
stroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be”. You might have seen stack of currency is worshiped and carefully stored in the safe locker. This ab-scission and greed for money leads to thinking about it constantly; and becomes an idol of worship. Saving money itself is not bad or evil, when begins to dominate your time and relationships, you begin to serve the money as your master. But when you trust God to give you a wisdom and skill to work or build a business, you focus will be on serving and pleasing God and honouring tax system. Jesus said it simply; if you try to serve two Masters; who do not have anything common between them, you will be continually frustrated and defeated. If you serve God with all your heart, mind and strength; God will meet all your needs. But if you make money as your master and forget quality time with your family and friends you are deceiving yourself. Today, you can trust God as your true source of life. God’s truth is so wonderful and full of wisdom, it will teach you prosper in the ways that lead to rich relationships with your family and friends. Today, you can choose to serve one true Master who is a loving and caring God. I invite you to say this following prayer sincerely and be reconciled to the King of Kings. “Dear God I believe Jesus is the true Master and Redeemer of my life. Forgive me for serving the wrong master. Thank you for restoring the broken relationship with you. Open the eyes of my heart and let me find my true purpose in my life. Amen. Email to help you connect with Christ: navig8grace@gmail.com
32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2017
indeed always keeps growing. The wealth of Knowledge is the most superior wealth of all.” Knowledge is important not only as an individual accomplishment but it is important on the national and international levels. All civilised societies have systems of imparting Knowledge to their populace through appropriate educational institutions. Knowledge encompasses all disciplines relevant to human civilisation, including physical and spiritual sciences, technology, art, medicine and philosophy, etc. A paucity of Knowledge has led to the domination of peoples and communities by more knowledgeable and consequently powerful groups. Technically advanced nations have dominated in the past and continue to dominate in world affairs today. There is no sustainable substitute of knowledge in the long run. Leaders in developing countries during their respective freedom movements recognised the importance of Knowledge and emphasised establishment of educational institutions to educate their citizens. It was the educated elite that led and inspired people to be aware of their rights and duties, and empowered them through Knowledge to stand against injustice. Modern leaders worldwide realise the importance of education for advancing the Knowledge base in their countries. Technological advances in all fields of human activities have brought tremendous changes. To maintain growth and development, the acquisition of new Knowledge of science, technol-
ogy and ideas has become essential. Lack of new Knowledge makes a society or nations stagnant. Stressing the importance of Knowledge, Nelson Mandela wrote in his Long Walk to Freedom, “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that the child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation.” This statement remains eternally true. Hindu sages realised the importance of Knowledge in ancient times and stressed on its acquisition through an organised education system. The Gurukul system was considered a comprehensive method of education that provided Knowledge not only of religious disciplines but also others, including scientific, medical, astronomical, warfare and social branches. Acquiring Knowledge remains as important today as it was during any time in human history and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Imparting knowledge to their citizens is an essential responsibility of nation states. With the changing world order, it is important to organise the education system that meets current as well as anticipatable future requirements for material and spiritual Knowledge of their citizens. More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma
Overstepping in your authority DEAR reader, it is with great joy we that you are going to face in life, bring to you the word of God. We all is as strong as its weakest point. like to see some things change in David brought down big Goour lives. Just like mountains they liath by hitting him at his weakdon’t want to be moved away. But est point by recognising that the good news is, God has put you God was his authority. It didn’t in command to speak to the difficul- Pastor Joseph Dass take him long to figure it out ties and situations that do not change, so they that Goliath was as strong as his weakest do change. The way you see and use author- point, his forehead. Jesus too spoke about His ity will determine how much of Gods power authority and when He spoke to an unfruitful can work through you. Jesus gave power to fig tree loaded with branches and leaves, that His disciples over unclean spirits, to cast no one was going to eat fruits from it again. them out, and to heal all kinds of sicknesses By next day it had dried up from the roots. It and all kinds of disease. They had the Right looked big and strong on the outside but it to use the power of another. Furthermore, had weak roots. Jesus said “Behold I give you the authority… - When you speak with authority your words ”. Again Jesus said “If you speak to this stick to the things you speak to. And they mountain (obstacle, hindrance, difficulty, weigh them down and wear them out. While pain, debt),’ Be removed and be cast into the it is easy to sit back and wonder if anything sea and does not doubt in his heart, but be- is ever going to change, you have to realise lieves those things he says will be done, he the things you send your words to will stick will have whatever he says.” with them to bring about change. They get ENERGEX supplies power to your house, the job done. The Centurion said “I have solbut it is your job to switch it on. You cannot diers under me and I say to this one, ‘Go,’ wait for ENERGEX to come to your house and he goes; and to another, ‘come,’ and he to turn on the power for you. In the same way comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he God has placed you in charge, to have au- does it.” Each time he gave a command, the thority and dominion. words were carried by his servants until the In the scriptures, we read of a Centurion job was done. In the same manner your (Matthew 8) who came to Jesus pleading words remain with the things you speak to, with Him to heal his servant, who was lying until the breakthrough happens, so don’t give at home paralysed, dreadfully tormented. He up too soon. had heard how on Jesus command, sickness - Start where you are. While we wait for the were leaving people, unclean spirits were big miracles and the big things to change we being cast out and even the dead people were fail to enjoy the small miracles that happen coming back to life. When Jesus said, He every day. When we are faithful in small was going to his house to heal his servant, the things big things become easier to conquer. Centurion answered, that Jesus should just The Centurion said “..I am a man under auspeak the word and his servant will be thority and I have soldiers under me…and healed. He explained how he was under au- the job gets done.” thority of the Roman Empire at the time, and - Learn what to say to things and not about every command he gave to his servants, it things. Things are not going to change in was obeyed. Jesus marvelled at his faith and your life if you keep talking about how big understanding of authority. Instead of com- they are, how difficult they are, how painful plaining and criticising the authority that was they are. You have to speak to them and not above him, he explained how things worked about them or else they will talk back to you. for him as he remained under authority. In the The Centurion said “And I say to this one, same way scripture says to have authority ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ over things we are to pray for those who have and he comes.” You have to speak to things authority over us. Whether they are a king, to leave or come to you. Jesus told his discipresident, prime minister etc. Often, the level ples to speak to the mountain. Another time of respect and obedience you have for au- He spoke to a storm and it became calm. thority above you will determine the level of Again He spoke a word to the pain and the respect and obedience, others who are under Centurion’s servant was healed in the same you will have for you. hour. And remember, Jesus said you too are Here are 4 things that can help you better un- in command and you have authority to bring derstand your authority - Just because diffi- about change. culties challenge you, does not mean they are God bless you going to defeat you. You have to realise that Pastor Dass every difficulty, every challenge, every pain josephdass@optusnet.com.au
www.indiantimes.com.au
Call 07 3865 6533