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I could see that animals are very much like our younger brothers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know it is in the best interest of all when we think 
long-term  

Dr Prashant Kakoday has practiced Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for 24 years, and currently co-ordinates the Brahma Kumaris activities in Cambridge.  A well know figure on the world speaker's circuit, he lectures on various topics ranging from science and consciousness to the holistic princples of life and health.  His presentations are a combination of great depth, clarity and humour and his unique qualities of a perceptive mind and an empathising heart have inspired and empowered thousands around the world.

Prashant, what made you become vegetarian?

I had experimented with vegetarianism on different occasions but through meditation, I started to reflect on things which I had ignored before. With a certain clarity I could see that animals are very much like our younger brothers; they rely upon us for protection, care and love. I could see that we, as a human race, had become very cruel, considering animals to be our food. It appeared to me to be almost demonic. I wasn't able to continue with the contradictions of thinking this way - and my former eating habits. I decided to live with my conscience and overcome what I saw as my unnecessary dependence to the palate.

Thinking that way, are we not cruel to vegetables and fruits?

Nature produces fruit and vegetables with nutrition, taste, colour and fragrance, as if with the intention to attract an animal or bird. In the process, animals take the seed from the fruit and plant it elsewhere and so contribute to the ‘vegetable kingdom’. There is therefore a symbiotic relationship between animals and plants. So, consuming vegetables or fruits is not cruel. It is in line with nature's law.

How has your life changed since you have been thinking this way?

Raja Yoga philosophy gives a broad picture of life. As a result, we can see the present situation and our life in the context of a much larger whole. Almost immediately our attitudes change. Various life situations don't occupy the mind any more. What appeared to be a major situation in the past now seems petty. The negative reactions almost completely disappear. We find ourselves more in control - certainly more efficient - in whatever we do. But, at another level, we are able to grasp the truth; we discover that the truth of all of us is extremely beautiful. That is very comforting and produces a deep sense of security and peace that all is well.

I also hope that there is a lot more to experience and that I can keep the enthusiasm to explore and experience. I want to remain a student and feel that in every field - knowledge, love, bliss - there is an ocean to explore.

Why do you get up so early in the morning?

Morning time is the best time for any student for many reasons. To start with, it is quiet with very little disturbance on a physical level. Secondly, the body and mind have had enough rest, so they are refreshed. Thirdly, all spiritual traditions agree that early morning time has the best vibrations for spiritual progress and spiritual study. Raja Yoga is a life of study and we make use of morning time for this subtle, spiritual study.

As a doctor, what are your views on health now?

It is surprising that in our entire medical education and training, there is no reference to the question of who the person is. There is little or no discussion of philosophical insights or views on life and death. We are all too busy intervening in a person's journey through life without knowing what the results of intervention will be. The medical profession often doesn't recognise the message underlying an illness. Our present system of health and medicine is a product of a narrow view of life. It is the product of the society we live in; in other words, it is based on a lack of spiritual awareness. As time progresses, we will see the repercussions of this narrow thinking. Through personal research and reflection, and by creating time for meditation, I personally feel better equipped to deal with some of these issues of life. Consequently I feel more confident and clear about when to intervene and when not to. I know it is in the best interest of all when we think long-term. I also feel that the best medical system would be the one that considers these factors in the long-term interest of the person/patient.

What does Raja Yoga have to say about illness?

Common sense observation shows us that nature is our friend. It wants to serve and protect us. This is why various laws of nature are as if made to help us survive. Nature plays the role of a mother - 'Mother Nature'. For example, if I cut my finger, instantly the healing process begins. The same is true for plants and animals and the larger planet itself. We notice that there are mechanisms to protect everything and everyone.

Nature is intelligent and caring, yet we can experience pain. Why is there pain in the world if nature is so kind and caring? If our premise is that nature protects us, then pain has to exist in the animal world where there is free will. With free will we can do harm to ourselves and others. To control or balance this free will, nature has to instill a pain mechanism. Thus, if I were to twist my arm too far, at some point I would feel pain. Pain comes before the ligament breaks and the bone fractures. Pain gives a warning and ultimately protects the body.

More complex types of pain, such as emotional and physical illnesses, all have messages and these messages may be: wrong lifestyle, wrong behaviour, wrong thinking and wrong understanding. If there were no pain, we would go indefinitely in the wrong direction, which would ultimately harm us and not be in our own best interest. Unless the message is understood and the deeper cause is addressed, physical illness will continue to increase.

Raja Yoga philosophy offers authoritative insights in these subjects and addresses these issues.

©Copyright 2005 BKWSU