Mind is the Matter

First, this story of two philosophers discussing mind and matter. One philosopher asked the other – what is mind? The other retorted- No matter. As a sequel he again asks – What is matter? Never mind is the impromptu reply. The humor in this exchange notwithstanding, the mind matter dichotomy is much deliberated in philosophy. However, the critical issue in all those discussions that seldom gets resolved is the fact that mind is the matter. Yes, mind matters. It is the mind that guides us to the pursuit of matter. Matter matters because of the mind. Buddha has said that we are the result of our thought. What we think we become. Quoting from the Dhammapada –
“All that we are is the result of what we thought. All that we are is founded on our thoughts and formed of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain pursues him, as the wheel of the wagon follows the ox that draws it. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness pursues him like his own shadow and never leaves him.”
Thus, it is the mind that must be controlled. All our problems are result of cognitive appraisal, our perception, our world view. This is what is called Maya in Shankara’s philosophy which is the result of ignorance or avidya. And as we cling to the products of Maya we get entrapped with the predicament being like that of a fly caught in the cobweb. The more it tries to come out the more it gets entangled. If the mind can be controlled our wisdom gets awakened and we achieve that mental state of the wise one who has been called ‘Sthita Pragyan’ by Lord Krishna in his famous Bhagwad Gita. A mind thus controlled does not cling to anything and is there for free from any feeling of gain or loss. As Buddha had said we only lose what we cling to. Mind is our guide, mind is our motivation.
If the mind is kept under control all our woes will disappear. This is the reason why the Indian philosophical thoughts give so much importance to mind. It is now also realized by the modern medical science that sound mental health is a necessary condition for sound physical health. Recent advances in emerging sciences like Psycho-neuroimmunology suggest that our resistance to disease is related to our stress level which is a result of absence of mental peace. The power of mind has been recognized by eminent authorities of medical science. In his famous book, Quantum Healing, noted spiritualist and medical doctor Deepak Chopra has quoted many instances of power of mind in recovery of patients.
The question that then arises is how to control the mind. The way out is to find time for solitude and quietude. While solitude is to find a quiet place for sitting peacefully, quietude is achieving tranquility in thought. But for many this seems impossible. And rightly so. Khalil Gibran says solitude is the ally of sorrow as well as companion of spiritual exaltation. It is you who has to choose. Thus, the frame of mind is the critical factor.

Essentials of Good Governance

Good Governance may not be easy to define, yet it must be admitted that it is more about governance and less about government. The most popular quote related to this is of Thoreau that Government is best that governs the least. The present Indian Government also talks about the same philosophy – Minimum government, Maximum governance. In management theory also the recommended style is to avoid close supervision. Eminent champions from Jefferson, to Emerson to O’Sullivan have all proclaimed less government as good governance. What is good governance? Harper Lee in her famous book, To kill a Mocking Bird says through one of its leading characters – “Equal rights to all, special privileges to none.” But these notwithstanding, let us accept that it is not easy to attain. Nevertheless, good governance is what the populace desires. It is the desideratum on which fates of governments are tested. The UPA government that was in power for two terms was decimated on this very count – good governance. Is there, then a formula for good governance. Not easy to state but our most revered mythological text Ramayana offers some clues on good governance. Given the fact that Ram Rajya is the bench mark of good governance it is worthwhile to recapitulate the golden words of wisdom from Valmiki Ramayana.
The second chapter, the Ayodhya Kanda, offers comprehensive lessons on good governance. Bharata, the younger brother of Rama, goes to meet the latter in the forest to request him to return to Ayodhya and rule. Rama declines and counsels Bharata on governance. From quality of ministers and the importance of strategy sessions, to temperance in administration to justice, he expounds on all the subtleties of statecraft in a lucid manner. Though Rama seems to be inquiring Bharata of his well-being and whether all is well at Ayodhya, he in fact is offering lessons on effective governance. The dialogue between the two brothers runs into several pages but some important lessons are obvious, particularly the ones given on pages 441-449 of the Valmiki Ramayana.
Emphasizing on quality of ministers. Rama asks Bharata whether he has appointed courageous, knowledgeable, strong-willed men with a high emotional quotient as his ministers, because quality advice is the key to effective governance. The emphasis is on competence and confidentiality. Rama’s advice to Bharata is to take a decision on a complex issue neither unilaterally nor in consultation with too many people. There should be an efficient core group.
Rama tells Bharata to prefer one wise man to a thousand fools as it is the wise who can ensure prosperity during an economic crisis. Even if there is one minister who is really effective, the king will gain immensely. Appointing tested men of noble lineage and integrity for strategic positions is the key to successful government. Moderate taxes should be levied on the people, lest they revolt. Rama wants Bharata to treat his soldiers well and pay their legitimate wages on time.
Protecting the forests and maintaining livestock have also been dealt with as important aspects of effective governance. In fact, the vision of the Ramayana has eternal relevance. Law and justice, finance and business, corruption, injustice to the poor are all mentioned. Rama’s advice to Bharata are as relevant today as they were in the Treta period.