BEING

NAKED

DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR
In Hindi there is one proverb; “Hamamme sab nange
hote hai”. This means in public bathrooms; every one is
naked.

We wear clothes, cover our bodies and try to ignore our

basic, in born, physical attributes. We try to be oblivious
to our primitive (natural) constitution. Moreover;
through good clothes; we try to ignore poverty and feel
rich!

We try to also cover our basal nature by assumptions.

We try to assume that we are dispassionate, selfless,
noble hearted, honest, and kindhearted; in fact; full of all
majestic and heroic virtues.

The more we are adamant on covering ourselves; the

more we become intolerant to ourselves and others and
breed indiscriminate violence. Openness of every kind is
opposed and coercively crushed in such situations.

But by merely enclosing and covering our bodies; in

clothes (often glamorous and fashionable) and our basic
instincts and emotional make up; in certain assumptions;
we can not get rid of them; in actuality.
If we realize this; then we would become more tolerant
and naturally; more loving. This is the merit of open
society. But the indulgence and its mercenary
glorification and consequent deterioration is the demerit.

If we are realistic, then we identify our physical,

instinctual, emotional and intellectual attributes. Then
we can work to evolve ourselves and others in
appropriate manner.

Can we accept that we are slaves of our instincts,

emotions and intellect? Can we accept that we also; are
potentially primitive, barbaric, criminals, corrupt and
mean? Can we accept that we also are ethnocentric? Can
we accept that all that we hate and loathe; is potentially
within us; and would spill over if the circumstances are
conducive?

Can we accept that being “better” is not as simple and as

instant; as merely changing clothes or washing make up?
Can we admit that whenever we seem to have
“improved”, we come across a situation that bares open
our meanness?
Can we accept that we are unable to voluntarily blossom
and become buoyant, generous? Can we admit that we
are unable to love all?

Can we realize that no one can transform us (by

appropriate punishment or through prayashchitta) into
sublime, unprejudiced and innocent individuals; because
“they themselves” are the helpless victims? (They can jail
us, coax us to pay tax, pay donations, but can not inspire
us to voluntarily stop exploiting! They can force us to
behave in a gentle manner; but can not erase the sexual,
infatuative, and other bizarre ideas, whims and fancies
from our mind!)

Can we agree that for us to blossom, we have to create an

environment of a holistic perspective of globally
beneficial policies, plans, laws, rules, regulations,
conventions and fashions, which in turn would be
conducive to our blossoming?

Can we dare to bare ourselves from within and thereby

be considerate to ourselves and others?
Tolerance born out of experience and honesty; would
add accuracy and globally beneficial dimension to every
thought, feeling and activity of ours!

Is this possible? This is certainly possible and ought to be

achieved! But are we ready to be totally naked from
within; and “see” ourselves? Are we ready to rise above
our assumption, beliefs and disbeliefs; and verify this;
through the practice of NAMASMARAN?