Reflections on Peace, Philosophy, and Life

The Ordeal of Draupady

The three rules for a life without bad things happening most of the time

(Reading time: 2 - 3 minutes)

The three rules come from the Mahabharata, an epic Indian story of war and strife. It also contains the well known Bhagavad Gita. But that's not the centre of this particular blog entry. It is a story which Prem Rawat uses frequently to remind us that we need to be conscious at all times, so that we don't fall into the same trap.

So the gist of the story is as follows:

There was a beautiful princess and she was coming up to marriageable age. She heard that a well-known sage had come to town, and she was advised to check him out and ask him to foretell her future. She decided to do that and went to visit. The sage told her that she would be the cause of a war in which millions would die! Naturally, she was horrified and asked if there was anything she could do to prevent that. The sage told her there was. All she would have to do was follow these three rules:

"First, Don't offend anyone; secondly, don't get offended; and thirdly, if you do get offended, don't seek revenge".

What happened? There was a big party where potential suitors were invited. She was showing one arrogant prince around the palace, and in one room the floor had a sunken pool. The floor was so shiny and the water so clear, it was almost impossible to see the edge of the pool and distinguish it from the floor. The princess suggested to the prince he walk around the edge of the room, but the prince in his arrogance strode straight across and fell into the pool!  The young princess couldn't help but giggle! The prince was so offended that he tore off her sari and exposed her naked body to all in the room! She was so incensed that she wanted to get revenge, and the cause of the war where millions died was programmed!

This is a classic story, and it's the story of mankind since forever.

This story from the Mahabharata isn't just an ancient tale; it's a mirror held up to our own lives. Think about how often offence and revenge ripple through our personal relationships, workplaces, or even global politics. The three rules—so simple yet so challenging—offer a way for peace, not just for a princess, but for all of us. What might change in our lives if we committed to not offending others, not taking offence, and certainly not seeking revenge when hurt?

It’s worth considering: How often do wars—whether between nations, families, or within ourselves—begin because we forget these three simple rules? Perhaps the epic’s wisdom lies not just in its drama, but in its invitation for us to rewrite our own stories.

How do you think these three rules could change the way we live today? Share your thoughts below:

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Globe wrapped in golden chains, symbolizing the grip of wealth concentration and greed

Greed and money are the main cause for the continuous increase in poverty

(Reading time: 7 - 13 minutes)

There is more wealth in the world today than ever before; more money, more gold, more precious stones than ever in before in history, thanks to modern technology. But its not reaching those who need it! And with the current setup, it's likely to get worse.

So where's the money? Here's an analysis of the key factors and their impact. It is in different section with the key analysis after the tables. It shows how corruption works and there are some suggestions of how to change things. It is highly unlikely that such changes will be implemented as greed seems to be accelerating at all levels. Slavery is increasing. What do I mean by slavery? I refer to the exploitation of those who are unable to defend themselves and who have to work for ridiculously low wages or none at all. This is the case in much of the world today. It's sad and requires that each on of us re-asseses what we do and in particular where and on what we spend our money. Am I supporting this state of affairs through my limited purchasing power? Probably, as, like many, I have to watch my pennies. But I need to really try.

 

 chart

What this diagram shows is that much of the global economy is to a very large extent maintained through the corruption which greed brings. It also shows how few people and organisations control and direct human society.

It is why I personally have little faith in politics or politicians, who are so often part of the problem. There are the good ones, of course, but there are a lot of greedy politicians everywhere. The stupid thing that most don't really understand: they can't take it with them when they die`!

  

Impact Analysis: Wealth and Corruption Across Categories

1. Individuals and Wealth Concentration

  • Economic Impact: The wealthiest individuals, such as Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault, amass resources that often exceed the GDP of small nations. Their financial influence enables monopolistic control in industries (e.g., tech, luxury goods), potentially stifling competition and innovation.
  • Social Impact: Extreme wealth inequality creates resentment and widens societal divides, as these individuals are often perceived as benefiting disproportionately while others struggle to meet basic needs.
  • Political Impact: Billionaires exert significant influence through lobbying and campaign donations, which can lead to legislation favouring corporate interests over public welfare.

2. Companies and Corporate Dominance

  • Economic Impact: Companies like Amazon, Apple, and Saudi Aramco dominate global markets, driving significant economic activity. However, their practices, including tax avoidance and regulatory capture, can distort economies and reduce government revenues.
  • Social Impact: Corporate dominance in essential sectors (e.g., healthcare, tech, energy) affects accessibility and affordability of services. Exploitative labour practices in supply chains exacerbate inequality in developing regions.
  • Political Impact: Corporations influence policies to maintain competitive advantages, which can hinder smaller businesses and reduce economic diversity. Lobbying efforts often lead to weakened labour protections and environmental regulations.

3. Religious Institutions

  • Economic Impact: Religious organisations, particularly the Catholic Church, control significant wealth through donations, real estate, and investments. This wealth, often tax-exempt, represents a substantial economic force but can limit public funding when governments forego taxation.
  • Social Impact: Religious institutions provide critical social services like education and healthcare. However, controversies over financial mismanagement or abuse scandals can erode public trust.
  • Political Impact: Religious organisations wield influence over public policy, particularly in education, healthcare, and moral legislation. Their role in shaping cultural norms and governance can lead to both positive reforms and societal polarization.

4. Organised Crime

  • Economic Impact: Organised crime generates billions annually through illicit activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and cybercrime. This distorts local economies, drives inflation in real estate markets, and undermines legitimate businesses.
  • Social Impact: Criminal organisations create parallel power structures, often providing services in areas where governments are absent. However, their activities foster violence, weaken community cohesion, and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
  • Political Impact: Corruption facilitated by organised crime undermines rule of law, weakens institutions, and fosters a culture of impunity. In some regions, crime groups effectively control local governments, exacerbating instability.

5. Countries Significantly Affected by Drug Trade-Related Corruption

  • Economic Impact: Drug trade profits fuel corruption and weaken formal economies. Governments lose significant revenue as funds are laundered through informal or offshore networks.
  • Social Impact: Drug-related corruption leads to high levels of violence, displacement, and societal disruption. Marginalized populations are often most affected, with limited access to justice or services.
  • Political Impact: Corruption entrenched in governance systems fosters distrust in public institutions, weakens democracy, and amplifies political instability. Countries like Venezuela and Mexico exemplify the challenges of combating corruption when state institutions are compromised.

Cross-Cutting Themes and Broader Implications

  1. Reinforcement of Inequality:

    • The wealthiest individuals and organisations perpetuate cycles of inequality by leveraging their resources for influence and financial gain, often at the expense of lower-income populations.

  2. Global Instability:

    • Wealth concentration in organised crime and corrupt states fuels violence and political unrest, creating broader regional and international challenges, such as migration crises and cross-border trafficking.

  3. Erosion of Democracy:

    • The alignment of financial power with political influence weakens democratic principles, shifting governance priorities toward the wealthy elite and away from public needs.

  4. Undermining Economic Diversification:

    • Dominance by a few actors (individuals, corporations, or organised crime) stifles smaller businesses and discourages innovation, limiting economic growth and diversification.

 

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Contrast between Maya and stability of inner-self

Inheritance. Weird thing is inheritance. What would anyone really like to inherit?

(Reading time: 3 - 5 minutes)

Inheritance: The Only Gift That Lasts

Inheritance is a strange concept, isn't it? When we hear the word, we might think of family heirlooms, money, or even property handed down through generations. Yet, at the heart of it, what do we truly want to inherit? For most, it’s satisfaction, a peaceful mind, and a sense of certainty. Yet, in a world as unstable as ours, we've come to believe that money and possessions might buy those things, at least temporarily. And to some extent, that’s true. Wealth can bring ease, comfort, and fleeting happiness. But those feelings don’t last. Soon enough, the sense of satisfaction fades, and we find ourselves craving more.

Perhaps, we've been looking in the wrong place or for the wrong thing. The world around us is in constant flux, a perpetual state of change that extends from our immediate environment to the vast universe. Think about it: stars explode, continents shift, and societies evolve. Just as our desires evolve, today’s "must-have" becomes tomorrow’s discard. It’s no wonder that so many find themselves in an endless pursuit, continually searching for fulfilment outside themselves.

But amid this ever-changing world, there's one thing that remains constant: our essential self. There is a core within us, an unchanging "me" that has been there from the beginning, watching, experiencing, and bearing witness. This self, I believe, resides three inches back from my forehead and two inches from the top of my skull. From that point, I experience my life, unchanged by my circumstances, my body, or even my age. My surroundings change, my body grows and ages, but that essential "me" is ever-present, seeking stability.

The Illusion of Stability in the External

Our craving for stability is natural; it’s in all of us. Yet we often try to fulfil it with external achievements. We strive for a bigger house, a higher-paying job, or the next gadget, thinking it will give us a sense of grounding. The irony is that the external world can never offer stability. It’s like building a house on sand, forever shifting with the tides of time and circumstance.

This is why so many people find themselves dissatisfied, even after achieving the material success they once dreamed of. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said, "The only constant in life is change." This truth speaks volumes in our fast-paced, materialistic society. As long as we look to the world outside for satisfaction and stability, we’re bound to be disappointed.

So where do we turn if we’re seeking a lasting sense of peace and contentment? It might sound counterintuitive, but the only true constant we have is within ourselves. Socrates put it best: "Know Thyself." This ancient piece of wisdom encourages us to turn inward, to discover who we truly are beneath the layers of ambition, fear, and external expectation. It’s in this pursuit of self-knowledge that we find real, lasting stability.

Discovering the "Me" Within

For me, this realization began when I acknowledged that the "me" observing my life has remained unchanged, even as everything around me shifted. This "me" has witnessed my body grow and age, my thoughts and beliefs evolve, and my desires rise and fall. This inner self, unshaken by external events, is the only stable aspect of my existence.

The journey inward is not without its challenges. It requires a conscious effort to look beyond the superficial and to connect with something deeper. Many great teachers, like Rumi and Buddha, have spoken of the need to understand the self. Rumi expressed it beautifully when he said, "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." In quieting the noise of the outside world, we create space to listen to the quiet, enduring voice within us.

Letting Go of Fear, Greed, and Hate

When we understand that stability resides within, something miraculous happens: fear, greed, and hate begin to lose their grip on us. Fear often arises from uncertainty about the future, while greed stems from the desire to accumulate more to feel secure. Hate, too, can come from feeling threatened or wronged. But when we root ourselves in the unchangeable "me," these emotions start to dissipate. We no longer feel the need to grasp at things or harbour resentment, because our peace doesn’t depend on anyone or anything external.

For me, this journey has led to a profound sense of gratitude. Every day, I’m grateful for the simple act of being, for each breath that fills my lungs and each moment that I’m alive. This is the ultimate inheritance—an unshakable sense of contentment that doesn’t come from money, possessions, or status, but from a deep and lasting connection with the self.

The True Inheritance: Stability in a Shifting World

In a world where nothing seems certain, finding stability within is the most valuable gift we can give ourselves. Material inheritance may come and go, but the legacy of inner peace endures. We spend our lives looking outward, hoping that something will satisfy us, yet the answer has always been within. The next time you feel the urge to chase the next big thing, pause for a moment and ask yourself: *Is this what I truly seek?*

When we turn inward and connect with the "me" that has always been there, we find a stability that the outside world could never provide. So, in the words of Socrates, "Know Thyself." Because, ultimately, self-knowledge is the greatest inheritance of all. It’s a gift that brings clarity, peace, and a joy that doesn’t fade.

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Universe Birth Human

The Miracle of Existence: Making the Most of Our Brief Time

(Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes)

In a universe that’s 13.8 billion years old, a single human life is like a blink of an eye. Yet, here we are, each with a fleeting opportunity to experience life in all its richness and complexity. When we truly grasp the brevity of our existence, it becomes clear how precious our time is. This post reflects on the miracle of being here and why it’s so important to use our days wisely, with kindness, courage, and a deep sense of appreciation.

The universe is estimated to be around 13.8 billion years old, with the Solar System forming about 4.6 billion years ago and Earth around 4.54 billion years ago. Life on Earth is thought to have originated between 3.5 to 4 billion years ago as microbial life, eventually leading to the complex ecosystems we know today. Modern humans, Homo sapiens, emerged roughly 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and while anatomically modern, behaviourally modern humans with advanced language and tools developed around 50,000–70,000 years ago.

In comparison to the universe’s age, an average human lifespan of 100 years is remarkably brief, accounting for just 0.0000007246% of the universe's total age. If we measure a human life as a fraction of humanity’s entire existence (assuming a total of 300,200 years if we end in 200 years), it would represent around 0.0333% of that span. This perspective highlights how fleeting our individual lives are, even within the short timeframe of human history.

Looking ahead, scientists predict that Earth will remain habitable for another 500 million to 1 billion years, depending on factors like climate, resources, and solar changes. Eventually, in about 5 billion years, our Sun will expand into a red giant, making Earth uninhabitable. The ultimate fate of the universe itself spans several theories, with the most widely accepted being the Big Freeze (or Heat Death), where the universe could continue expanding and cooling until it becomes dark and inert in 10^100 years.

This vast cosmic timeline underscores the brief nature of our existence and highlights the importance of understanding our place within this expansive universe.

It’s astonishing to consider what we are made of. Human beings are composed of elements and minerals that are as ancient as the planet itself. Our bodies are built from 84 minerals, 23 elements, and 8 gallons of water, woven into 38 trillion cells. We are quite literally crafted from the very earth beneath us. As Aubrey Marcus so poignantly describes, “You are recycled butterflies, plants, rocks, streams, firewood, wolf fur, and shark teeth, broken down to their smallest parts and rebuilt into our planet’s most complex living thing.” Each of us is not simply living on Earth; we are Earth, animated by the same materials and bound by the same cycles. Just as we came from these earthly substances, to them, we will one day return, a reminder of our deep connection to the natural world and the shared journey we all undertake.

Given the staggering timescales of the universe, the chance for any one of us to exist is nothing short of miraculous. Out of billions of years, we each have just a brief moment—a blink within cosmic history—to experience life. There is no clear reason for our existence; it simply is. Yet, here we are, each of us endowed with the ability to feel, think, create, and connect.

If we truly understood how fleeting this opportunity is, would we spend our time consumed by conflict, fear, or indifference? Would we still allow greed and division to rush us toward self-destruction? Awareness of our brief presence should inspire gratitude and reverence for the time we do have. In this short life, we can choose to build, not destroy; to lift one another up, rather than tear each other down. Each day is a chance to embrace kindness, courage, joy, and curiosity—to truly make the most of our unique opportunity.

As finite beings in an ancient, infinite cosmos, we have been granted a rare gift: to live and breathe within this astounding universe. Let’s cherish and protect this time, using it to foster understanding, compassion, and appreciation. This fleeting span allows us to experience the beauty, mystery, and interconnectedness of life, and it’s up to us to decide whether we leave a legacy of care or chaos. Let’s make it our purpose to honour this life, however brief, by celebrating and protecting the extraordinary world we’re so lucky to share. And that is only possible by being conscious of the miracle each one of us represents!

Here's a story I found on Facebook, which reminds of what we are made of.

 
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The Moment called Now

The Power of Now: Navigating Pressures and Making Conscious Choices

(Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes)

Every choice we make occurs in the fleeting moment called "Now." It's in this present instant that we respond to countless pressures from all directions. Many of these choices are not conscious; they are reactions based on patterns we’ve accumulated over a lifetime. But what if, in that single moment, we could make truly conscious choices? It takes as much practice to make intentional choices as we’ve invested in our unconscious responses, shaped by the world around us.

To understand what we face in that "Now," I created a visual representation years ago, illustrating the influences on our choices. This image took the form of an X-shaped quadrant, with "Now" at its centre, and each quadrant reflecting a distinct aspect of the pressures we navigate.

In the top quadrant lies the **macro-universe**, symbolizing our planet’s place in the vastness of the galaxy. Forces in this macro-world, like the gravitational pull of the moon or the cycles of solar activity, impact us directly. While these forces may seem distant, they can subtly influence our emotions and physical well-being, much as the moon affects ocean tides. We feel the interconnectedness of these forces every day, as we respond to their invisible pull without realizing it.

Opposite this, in the bottom quadrant, I represented the **micro-universe**. This space symbolizes everything happening within us: the ceaseless activity of microbes, bacteria, and chemical reactions that keep us alive. We often notice this influence only when something goes awry, perhaps when we feel ill or exceptionally energetic. The balance or imbalance within us is ever-changing, driven by forces within our bodies that we cannot directly control in each moment, yet profoundly affecting our choices and responses.

The **right quadrant** brings us closer to home, symbolizing the **physical environment** we inhabit. Whether it's a lush forest, a bustling urban centre, a mountain, or a shoreline, our surroundings shape how we feel and respond. This influence becomes particularly pronounced when drastic changes like natural disasters, war, or famine disrupt our surroundings. Climate change, too, has brought these disruptions closer to us all, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our environment and its impact on us.

Finally, the **left quadrant** represents **societal pressures**. These pressures stem from our roles within family, work, and community, influenced by norms, traditions, and histories that shape every society. Each of us is affected by the expectations and boundaries of the society we live in, whether we’re aware of it or not. Our position within our families, workplaces, and larger communities all create pressures that shape our decisions and responses in the "Now."

Together, these four influences—the macro-universe, micro-universe, physical environment, and societal norms—combine at every moment. We are often unaware of even a fraction of these influences pressing upon us. So how do we make conscious decisions amid this bombardment?

This is where the practice of self-awareness comes into play. Conscious choice begins with knowing oneself. Socrates famously said, "Know thyself," and this wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. If we truly understand who we are, it becomes easier to identify our strengths and avoid falling prey to our weaknesses. This self-knowledge allows us to pause, recognize the pressures we face, and make decisions based on our values, not our reactions.

So, what are the strengths that define us as human beings? At our best, we embody love, joy, empathy, kindness, clarity, generosity, and forgiveness. When we lose sight of who we are, we fall back on fear, anger, ego, greed, hate, and blame. These negative traits cloud our choices, leading us away from our true selves.

In the "Now," the most powerful moment we have, we can decide to cultivate our human strengths. We can practice awareness, transforming reaction into choice, and each choice can reinforce the best of who we are. Knowing ourselves also brings a profound realization: every other person is, in essence, just like us. Each of us is made of the same basic elements, alive only for a brief time. This shared humanity is a call to be compassionate, to be kind, and to choose our strengths over our weaknesses.

When we embrace this understanding, we don’t just make better choices for ourselves. We set an example, creating a ripple effect of conscious, compassionate choices that can influence the world around us. In each moment, we have the power to choose, and that power begins with knowing who we are and the humanity we share. Let us be human, in the fullest sense of the word, and make choices that reflect our highest selves.

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black framed wayfarer-style sunglasses on brown hat

Being Comfortable with Myself: Is That Possible?

(Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes)

The question of being comfortable with oneself is something many of us wrestle with at some point. For me, the answer depends on a deeper inquiry: Do I know who I am? And, in truth, it's not as easy as it seems to reach that answer. Society tends to chase us from one role to another—husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, employee, employer, friend, and so on. It’s a relentless cycle of playing parts, each one demanding its own set of expectations and behaviours. The constant pressure of these roles often makes it difficult to simply be me, to figure out who I am beneath all those layers.

Amid all this, how do I even begin to find out who I am? And do I have the time to indulge in that kind of deep search? Life, as it is, is full of commitments. I’ve got places to go, people to see, responsibilities to fulfil. My to-do list doesn’t leave much room for self-reflection. On some days, I barely have time to sleep, much less contemplate who I am at the core of it all.

Or do I?

As with most things in life, it comes down to my priorities. What is most important to me right now? What needs my attention at this moment? The truth is, when I choose to prioritize self-understanding, I realize that I actually *do* have time for that search. More importantly, I find that everything else I have to do—my responsibilities, relationships, and commitments—falls into place when I am clear about who I am. Life becomes simpler, and the sense of being “chased” begins to ease.

In fact, I do things better when I have clarity about who I am. When I stop trying to fit into all the prescribed roles and instead just be myself, everything flows more naturally. It’s a lesson that takes time to learn, but it’s worth it. I’ve found that when I make an effort to remain conscious of my own being, life becomes more manageable, even amidst all the complexity. That realization brings a huge sense of relief and, over time, a growing sense of comfort within myself.

Looking back on my life, I’ve gone through a lot of changes, both externally and internally. I’ve moved at least 60 times, worked countless jobs, and encountered more people and situations than I can count. For a long time, I thought that sense of rootlessness was something negative, a sign that I wasn’t grounded in who I was. But recently, I’ve come to a different understanding. The saying “home is where I hang my hat” has become a reality for me. I realize that, in all these shifts and changes, I have, in fact, been finding my own sense of home—within myself.

In many ways, I suppose I have become more comfortable with myself. It’s not to say that the journey is over or that I’ve fully arrived at some ultimate destination of self-understanding. There’s still a long way to go. But the important thing is that I feel encouraged to keep making the effort. The more I focus on being conscious—of who I am and what I am doing—the more life opens up to me. The more I realize that I can be who I am and still fulfil all my commitments. It doesn’t have to be a constant chase from one role to the next.

When I prioritize knowing myself, I begin to live life on my own terms. I am able to see more clearly what truly matters, and I can let go of what doesn’t. It’s a process, and it takes time, but the benefits are immense. Clarity, peace, and comfort within myself—these are the rewards of consciously choosing to be myself, no matter where I am or what I am doing. And for me, that makes all the difference.

 

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