The Poles Shift Their Respective Positions

The subject of todayʼs discourse is “The Poles Shift their Respective Positions.” Cardinal human principles are almost unchangeable. I say almost unchangeable because they always maintain a [[tangential,]] tactual relationship with the Cosmological Order and so the cardinal human principles or cardinal points of [[humanity]] do not undergo any change or physical metamorphosis. But this is not the case with the physical [[world]]. In the realm of physicality, in the arena of physical emanations, such a change may take place, and in the past took place several times in the history of this Planet Earth, and also in the history of so many other planets, stars, satellites, nebulae, etc.

In the physical sphere change is the order of existence. In the psychic sphere, there is change in the collective structure, but because that change maintains a link with the Cosmological Order, with Cosmic conation, it is not so prominent as that of the physical sphere.

Take the case of our poles: the poles may shift their positions. In the past, such a shifting took place several times – in the annals of this planet and also in the history of so many other planets. As a result of this shifting, as a result of this change, people say that the satellite moved in [and/or] out of this earth when its outer crust, that is, its lithospherical order, was not so solid as it is now.

And some are of the opinion that as a result of this [[– the coming out of a moon from]] the earthʼs lithospherical body – the Pacific Ocean was created. [[As per]] old astronomy and also astrology, Mars also came out of this earth. But it did not move around the earth as its satellite. It started moving around the sun and became a planet. And that is why a name for Mars is Kuja [[in Sanskrit]]. Kuja. Shani rája Kuja mantrii [“Saturn is a king, Mars is a minister”]. Ku means “earth”. [[Ja]] means “born out of” (born out of ku). So in the physical sphere such a change took place in the past and will take place in the future.

The poles shift their positions. Now as a result of this shifting, in the past so many times, the time taken by the earth in moving around itself varied, and the time taken by the earth in the moving around the sun – that is, its year – also changed. Day and night [[jointly]] were not of twenty-four hours, and the year was not of 365/366 days.

As a result of this change in polar positions, the seasonal order also changed, and its relationship with [[months]] varied so many times. And the order of our calendar, the system of our calendar, had to be changed in the past. If the poles change their positions, the time taken by the earth [to move] around itself will certainly be either lessened or increased. And similarly the time taken by the earth in moving around the sun will either increase or decrease.

[[And perhaps you have marked nowadays,]] sometimes we see that the seasonal order is not maintaining proper adjustment with the months: this shows that the shifting is taking place fast. Now as result of this change, not only will the adjustment between the months and the seasons be lost, but the environmental order and also the ecological order of the earth will be disrupted. And as a result of this disruption, there must be physical and biological changes in the structures of all living bodies, all living creatures, including plants. The plants of the Tertiary Age could not be found in the Cretarian [Cretaceous] Age.

The [unintelligible word] plants and also animals of the Cretarian Age could not be found in later ages, the Pliocene, Miocene, Oligocene, Mesozoic and Caenozoic Ages, because they also – their existence, their births and deaths also – depend on [[environmental order and also ecological adjustment,]] ecological balance.

And as a result of the change in position of the poles, some people say that in the eastern hemisphere, the north pole is moving from north to south and in the western hemisphere, the south pole moves from south to north. And it cannot be assured that their relative distance will remain unchanged. So we should be prepared for the future; we should be prepared for the resultant of [[this change or]] these changes in polar positions, in environmental order, and also in ecological structure.

As a result of this change, the magnetic structure of this earth, [[and as a result of that of other planets and satellites]] of the solar system also, will undergo a certain remarkable metamorphosis. And if the magnetic order is disrupted, then [[certainly there will be certain]] remarkable changes [unintelligible word] remarkable metamorphoses in the electromagnetic vibrations of this earth and also of the entire solar system. [As a result of] this type of [[change in the electromagnetic vibrations]], human thought-waves will certainly be affected.

Our progress in the arena of science depends much on our progress, our knowledge of electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic emanations. So our progress both in the field of humanities and in that of science will suffer much, or rather may be assailed much, as a result of this change. We should be prepared, [[we should be ready]], for such a change, and that change may take place in the very near future.

You know, human existence is not only an existence of physicality, an existence in physical structure. It is a [mesh] of vibrations of so many wavelengths. So if the physical waves change, if the climatic conditions undergo a certain gigantic metamorphosis, certainly the emanations and perceptions of nerve-cells and nerve-fibres will be changed, will be disrupted. It may be for the good, it may be for the bad, but change is a must.

In case of such a change in the physical order and also in the physico-psychic order, change is sure to take place [as well] in the realm of spirituality. [[As we know,]] the movement – that is, the movement of humanity, movement of each and every living being – is from matter to consciousness, is from extrovert to introvert. So the thought-waves of human beings will be more of a spiritual nature than they are at present. That is, humans in that developed condition will be more spiritual-minded than they are at present.

The Cosmic Entity, the Supreme Cognitive Faculty, never stops His emanations in the physical, metaphysical, supra-physical and spiritual strata. And in the case of the microcosm, if the change is neurological as a result of physical change, then certainly [[if the nerve-cells and [unintelligible word] nerve-fibres behave in some way other than they do at present, then the thought-waves of the Great, thought-waves of the Supreme Cognitive Faculty, are sure to undergo [[some change,]] some transmutation, when they pass through unit human structures.

And it is expected that under such circumstances, the progress of human beings in the realm of introvert will be more accelerated than [their progress] at present. And if the poles on a particular small planet, like the earth, shift their respective positions, it may be beneficial to human beings [[or it may not be beneficial to human beings]], but it is sure that the thought-waves of the Supreme will do their own duty under changed circumstances. Here, humans will be more meditative and will accept Parama Puruśa, the Cosmic Cognitive Faculty, as their object of ideation in a better way and in a more scientific [[style]]. One must not think that anything is fixed or stationary in this universe.

Everybody moves – certainly the poles move – and they have already started their function of shifting their respective positions. And you see, as a result of such a change, and if the change takes place very fast, then there may come another ice-age here on this earth. And the pre-condition and post-condition of the ice-age may have a big gap – that is, the pre-age and the post-age will have a long gap between them. But we have much expectation and hope from human intellect; and we hope, if a catastrophe comes, human intellect will be able to overcome such a catastrophe [[or]] arrange for shifting the population to some other planet having suitable environmental conditions and a better ecological order. Let humanity rise, and let this development of humanity be more and more spiritually-oriented!
31 May 1986, Calcutta

A Journey to the Nordic Nations

In June 2026, my wife Sudha and I visited the Nordic Nations including Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The later three are also known as Scandinavia. Previously, Finland was a part of Sweden. It became a part of the Russian Empire in 1809 and then an independent nation in 1917.

Scandinavia was home to the Vikings, who were fierce seafarers, traders and explorers that influenced vast territories starting around the eighth century.
The Arctic Circle, an imaginary line of earth latitude, passes through northern Finland, Sweden and Norway. North of this line, one can experience the Midnight Sun in the summer and the Polar Night in the winter.

Finland

We travelled from Brisbane via Singapore to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Finland is bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia. It has a population of approximately 5.7 million people. Finland is a member country of the European Union and uses Euro as its official currency.

Swedish and Finnish are the official languages of Finland. Finland’s constitution guarantees both languages equal status in government, public services and education.

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. It occupies a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. It has a population of about 685,000 residents. It was made Finland’s capital in 1812 by the Russian Emperor Alexander I. Under the Russian empire, Finland was allowed extensive autonomy and was able to retain its Lutheran religion and Swedish as the official language.

During the reign of Alexander II, the population began agitating for the Finnish language to be recognised as a joint official language with Swedish, which was achieved in 1866. On 6 December 1917, Finland declared its independence from Russia and adopted a republican constitution in 1919.

A number of tourist attractions are located in Helsinki. They include the Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna fortress, Upenski Cathedral, Kampin Kappeli, Oodi library, Market Square and numerous museums and public buildings.

Helsinki Cathedral is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran church located in the centre of Helsinki at the senate square. It was built from 1830 to 1852 as a tribute to Emperor Nicholas I of Russia. It is a distinctive landmark in the Helsinki cityscape, with its tall green dome surrounded by four smaller domes.

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress, which was built on a group of islands belonging to the district of Helsinki. Covering an area of 210 hectares and consisting of 200 buildings and 6 km of defensive walls, the fortress stretches over six separate islands. The purpose of the fortress was originally to defend the Kingdom of Sweden against the Russian Empire and to serve as a fortified army base, complete with a dry dock. Sandbanks, barracks and various other buildings were added during the 19th-century Russian period. The defensive system was adapted to match the requirements of a modern fortress and developed in the 19th century using contemporary fortification equipment.

Now, the buildings have been renovated to serve as apartments as well as workspaces, to house private and public services, and for cultural purposes. It is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites as a unique example of the military architecture of its era. Regular ferry service runs between the market squares on the mainland to the fortress.
Upenski Cathedral is the main monument of the Orthodox Church of Finland. It is located on a hill overlooking the city. It was built in 1868 and is the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Western Europe.

Kampin Kappeli is a small chapel within a shopping complex. Everyone is welcome to enter it and sit in silence. Oodi library is well-known for its special design. It provides dedicated spaces for reading, research and other activities. It overlooks the Parliament house, a glassy concert house and other imposing buildings in the area. Market square is located on the sea shore with numerous shops for souvenirs and food. In a nearby park, free musical and dance entertainment programs are held.

Sweden

From Helsinki we flew to Stockholm in Sweden. Sweden is bordered by Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the northeast. The country is separated from Denmark in the southwest by the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Öresund straits. The Oresund bridge, a combined railway and motorway bridge, connects Malmo in Sweden with Copenhagen in Denmark. Sweden comprises thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains.

The current population of Sweden is estimated to be 10.7 million. Ethnic Swedes make up around 80% of the population. The indigenous Sami people who mostly live in the northern parts of the country account for about 20,000. Approximately 20% of the population is foreign born representing diverse racial and ethnic groups.

A unified Swedish state was established during the late 10th century. From 1397 to1523 it was a part of the Kalmar Union that included Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Sweden under King Gustavus Adolphus joined the Thirty Years’ War in 1630 to protect its Baltic territories from the advancing Catholic Holy Roman Empire. The king also desired to establish Sweden as a dominant northern European superpower. Sweden remained a formidable European power until its defeat in the war with Russia in 1809.
Modern Sweden is a highly developed nation. It is renowned for its social welfare model that provides universal healthcare and tertiary education. It routinely ranks among the top countries globally in quality of life, gender equality, and innovation metrics. Its currency is the Swedish krona (SEK).

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. The population of Stockholm is approximately 2.49 million people in the greater metropolitan area, with nearly 1 million residents living directly within the city limits. As Sweden’s economic and cultural hub, it is the largest urban area amongst the Nordic countries.

It encompasses 14 islands connected by more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. It seamlessly blends a well-preserved medieval history, most notably evident by the cobblestone streets of the Old Town Gamlastan, with cutting edge fashion, design and modern high-rise buildings and shopping complexes.

Gamlastan is home to the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan cathedral and the Noble Museum. Parliament House and other public buildings are either located within it or its vicinity. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King. Most of the monarchy’s official receptions are held at this site. It is a combination of royal residence, workplace and cultural-historical monument, and is open all year round to visitors. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between eleven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.

In addition to the Royal Apartments, there are three museums steeped in regal history and the Treasury with the regalia. The palace also houses the Royal Chapel. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony and the Royal Gift Shop are particularly popular with visitors. Djurgarden’s Funfare, which is accessible by ferry from near the palace and the Naval Museum Vasamuseet are other major attractions.
In Stockholm we met my class mate from university days in Moscow. He along with his family members welcomed us with open hearts, organised a home gathering in our honour and accompanied us to many sites of interest in Stockholm. Meeting him and his loving family was a highlight of the Stockholm trip.

Norway

From Stockholm, we flew to Oslo in Norway. Norway is a narrow country in northern Europe. It shares the Scandinavian Peninsula with Sweden and Finland. Norway’s coastline is renowned for its fiords, which are sea inlets between steep cliffs. Norway is also home to many mountains. Some of the peaks are so steep that no human has ever tried to climb them.

Mainland Norway shares land boundaries to the east with three countries: Sweden, Finland and Russia. The rest of the country is flanked by extensive coastlines facing the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea, and the Skagerrak strait. In addition to the mainland on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway also owns the Svalbard island chain and three islands in the Antarctic.

In 872, Harald Fairhair was the first ruler to unite most of Norway. Denmark and Sweden invaded Norway during the rule of Harald Fairhair’s descendant. Denmark ruled Norway for the next century. In 1319, control of Norway was passed to Sweden. In 1397 Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were united as the Union of Kalmar by Queen Margrethe. Sweden broke away from the Union in 1523, and Denmark ruled Norway until 1814. During part of the 19th century, Norway returned to Swedish control. Norway became an independent country in 1905. The current population of Norway is 5.67 million. Its national currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK).

Oslo is its capital and sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofiord. The population of Oslo municipality is approximately 724,000 people. When factoring in the contiguous urban area and surrounding suburbs, the greater Oslo region’s population exceeds 1.5 million residents.
Oslo is known for its green spaces, notable building and museums that include Vigeland Park, Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, Parliament, City Hall, Opera House, Munch Museum, Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum containing Viking ships from the 9th century.

Vigeland Park is the largest sculpture park by a single artist in the world, with more than 200 carvings in bronze, granite and cast iron produced by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. His realistic work represents the cycle of human life and all its emotions.
It is located within Frogner Park, the largest public park in Oslo. Frogner Park also has an open-air pool, a cafe and restaurant, plus the largest playground in Norway and the biggest collection of roses in the country, with 14,000 plants of 150 species. Vigeland was involved in the design and planning of the park, although unfortunately he died six years before its completion in 1949.

The Royal Palace in Oslo was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the French-born Charles XIV, who reigned as king of Norway and Sweden. The palace is the official residence of the current Norwegian monarch. It is surrounded by a large well-maintained park.
The new Opera House has a grand design with large walking and viewing spaces on its roof, which offer a complete view of the city. Akershus Fortress is the historical fort covering a sizeable area along the seashore.

Denmark

We flew from Norway to Copenhagen in Denmark. Denmark comprises the Jutland Peninsula and an archipelago of over 400 islands. It shares its mainland land border with Germany to the south, and in the Arctic, it shares a land border with Canada on Hans Island. It is surrounded by the Baltic and North seas, with maritime borders touching Sweden, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom. It has a population of 5.8 million and its currency is the Danish krone (DKK).

Copenhagen is its capital with a population of approximately 672,000 people. The broader metropolitan area is home to about 1.4 million residents.
Major tourist attractions such as royal palaces, Nyhvan harbour, Tivoli amusement park and the Little Mermaid statue are located in Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid is based on the fairy tale of the same name written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. In addition, the library building known as black diamond, Opera House, Freetown Christiana, churches and museums attract numerous tourists.

In all these countries’ capitals, the major tourist attractions are close to the city centre. Among many options, many people prefer “Hop-on, Hop-off” buses that allow stops at and pick-ups from any site along the route.

These countries are among the wealthiest in the world measured by per capita GDP, with Norway sitting at the top of the Nordic ranking. Knowledge of local languages is always desirable but one can manage with English in all these countries. Our conversations with many locals at the places we visited suggested that the populations are stable and feel cared for by their governments. We returned home via Dubai to Brisbane.
—Awadhesh Sharma
www.hinduguru.com.au

Mums United Sewa Project Inc: Changing Lives Through Kindness and Compassion

What began as a simple act of kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into one of Brisbane’s quietly impactful community initiatives. Founded during the pandemic, Mums United Sewa Project Inc (MUSP Inc) was established to support international students who suddenly found themselves without work, income or access to government assistance. During this challenging period, the organisation distributed more than $5,000 worth of groceries, ensuring hundreds of students had food on their tables when they needed it most.

As the pandemic eased, MUSP Inc recognised another growing need within our community—the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. Today, the organisation is a fully self-funded charity dedicated to serving Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents through monthly outreach programs in the CBD.

To date, MUSP Inc has distributed more than 5,000 grocery bags and 5,000 hot meals, providing practical support and hope to people doing it tough. Each grocery bag is thoughtfully packed with nutritious, ready-to-eat essentials including long-life milk, tuna, baked beans, spaghetti, noodles, fruit cups and other pantry staples, offering meals on the go for people without access to cooking facilities.

Beyond food relief, MUSP Inc also provides dental hygiene packs, winter blankets, toiletries and emergency hot meals during natural disasters, ensuring those most in need receive comfort, dignity and care.

The organisation’s commitment to the community extends beyond homelessness. MUSP Inc has supported individuals and families experiencing domestic and family violence by connecting them with legal assistance, emergency accommodation, financial support, family services and mental health resources. Every person is treated with compassion, respect and confidentiality, reflecting the organisation’s belief that everyone deserves hope and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

One of MUSP Inc’s proudest achievements is its growing Youth Group. Young volunteers collect donations, pack grocery bags and participate in outreach, learning the importance of kindness, empathy and service. More than simply volunteering, these young people are developing into compassionate leaders who understand the value of giving back and strengthening their communities.

At the heart of MUSP Inc is the principle of “Sewa”—selfless service to others. Every grocery bag packed, every hot meal shared and every conversation held is an opportunity to restore dignity, create connection and remind someone they are not alone.

As Queensland continues to face a growing homelessness and cost-of-living crisis, the need for community support has never been greater. MUSP Inc believes that lasting change begins with ordinary people coming together to show extraordinary kindness.

As a fully self-funded organisation, MUSP Inc relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and community partners. Financial sponsorships, food donations, essential supplies and volunteers all help ensure the organisation can continue its vital work.
Together, we can build stronger communities where compassion replaces judgement, hope overcomes hardship, and no one is left behind.